Golden Bay (district)

Golden Bay is a district located at the northwest corner of the South Island, New Zealand, and AbOUT 70 kilometres northwest of Nelson, is a coastal area bordered by the ranges of Kahurangi National Park and Abel Tasman National Park. It is largely separated from the rest of the island by steep hill country—the only road into the area traverses a steep, winding pass between the Riwaka and Takaka River valleys.

The population of approximately 4500 triples over summer with an influx of visitors, who enjoy its natural beauty, recreational opportunities and festival culture. Golden Bay's popularity also stems in part for its remoteness and its internationally significant conservation areas, such as Farewell Spit and Te Waikoropupu Springs. It is also noted for its extensive cave systems.

The ranges, rivers, coastal plains and lowlands of Golden Bay provide a range of microclimates offering good conditions for agriculture and horticulture. Currently, the Bay's main income is generated by dairy farming, arts and crafts, and tourism.

Recently, a massive increase in the wasp population in Abel Tasman National park forced a (failed) biological and a (more successful) chemical regimen to bring down the wasp population which reached an estimated 300 colonies per square kilometre in the early 1990s. These wasps have been blamed on an alarming decrease in native insects and animal life in the park.

Takaka is the main business and shopping area for the Golden Bay district. It is located in the lower reaches of the Takaka River Valley at the southern end of the bay. Collingwood is Golden Bay's second biggest town and was once a candidate for the site of the nation's capital, though today it principly act as a service hub for the surrounding farming community and a destination for holiday makers during the summer month. Other settlements in Golden Bay include Pohara, Motupipi, Onekaka, Bainham and Pakawau.