Golden Bay is also known as the ‘heart of the parks’ with massive Kahurangi National Park to the west and massively popular Abel Tasman National Park tucked in to the east.

While it was far too cold (for me at least) to go for a swim, we were lucky to experience Golden Bay sans the throngs of tourists that fill the beaches in the summer.

We stayed with Steve & Melissa at The Sandcastle. Melissa is Louisa’s sister (of Louisa & Grant from Mangapai). We weeded the garden, picked apples & feijoas, and gave their website a makeover.

In the afternoons we were able to explore waterfalls, freshwater springs, and caves! We also spent plenty of time reading food magazines over Orange Banana Spirulina smoothies at the Wholemeal Cafe in town.

In the video below you’ll see Wainui Waterfall, Waikoropupu Springs, and Rawhiti Cave.

Waikoropupu springs are the clearest freshwater springs in the world! The only water of greater clarity is found on the ice shelf in Antarctica. I have to admit, seeing the springs in action was cooler than I expected it would be.

Check out more pictures from our experience on Facebook!