Discover the Tākaka Valley Viewpoint
As you drive over the Tākaka Hill and start to head down towards Tākaka in Golden Bay, there is a viewpoint with a first vista of Tākaka Valley. This spot is easy to miss, but ideal for a quick stop to appreciate the scenery before you reach the town.
Finding the Path
The path to the viewpoint is located on the south side of the road, just before the first tight downhill corner. Although the trail is somewhat indistinct, it leads to a viewing platform. Trees partially overgrow the platform, but it still provides a worthwhile view of the valley. Here, you are still around 860 metres up on the hill, with the valley below at 100 metres.
How to Get There
To find the viewpoint, drive towards Tākaka on State Highway 80. After you cross the high point on the road at Tākaka Saddle, the first hairpin turn is about 1 km away. There is plenty of room to park on the side of the road and look for the path on the south side of the road to the viewpoint.
Near the saddle, you can also access the Tākaka Hill Walkway, which takes you to the top of the hill. On the Tasman Bay side of the hill, watch out for Hawkes Lookout. Closer to the top of the hill, you can visit the Ngarua Caves and take the gravel Canaan Road into the centre of Abel Tasman National Park, with a short walk to Harwoods Hole.
