🏡 Collingwood: Gateway to Golden Bay’s Wild North 🌿🌊

📍 Location

Where: Golden Bay, Tasman Region, South Island

How to Get There: Drive 2 hours north of Nelson via Takaka Hill and the scenic Golden Bay coast

Population: ~300 people (and just as many sheep 🐑)

🏞️ Why Visit Collingwood?

🧭 1. Launchpad to Farewell Spit

Guided 4WD tours to Farewell Spit depart daily from Collingwood.

Explore lighthouse history, giant dunes, and bird sanctuaries at New Zealand’s northernmost edge.
🔗 Farewell Spit Tours

🏖️ 2. Beaches + Estuaries

Relax on quiet Collingwood Beach or explore the tidal estuary teeming with birdlife.

Great for kayaking, fishing, and shell hunting with the family.

🐦 3. Birdwatching Haven

Nearby wetlands and estuaries host godwits, oystercatchers, pied stilts, and more.

Bring your binoculars — it’s a bird lover’s paradise.
🦆 Best time to visit: spring and summer migratory seasons.

⛏️ 4. Fascinating History

Once a gold rush town in the 1850s, Collingwood was nearly chosen as NZ’s capital!

Visit the Collingwood Museum for stories of early settlers, miners, and adventurers.

🧘‍♀️ 5. Small-Town Vibes

Stroll through artisan shops, grab coffee at a local café, or enjoy fish and chips by the sea.

You’ll meet friendly locals, artists, and travellers alike.

🌟 Top Things to Do in and Around Collingwood

🛏️ Where to Stay

🛖 Collingwood Holiday Park – Seaside camping & cabins

🏡 Zatori – Luxury eco-lodge with bay views

🛏️ Beachcomber Cottages – Self-contained units by the estuary

🐑 Farm stays & B&Bs – Plenty of local charm and hearty breakfasts

📝 Tips for Visiting

✅ Stock up on fuel and groceries — next town is Takaka
✅ Book Farewell Spit tours in advance
✅ Bring layers — weather changes quickly up north
✅ Tidal times matter for exploring beaches and estuaries
✅ Keep your camera ready — light and landscape shift dramatically

🗺️ Nearby Gems

🌊 Wharariki Beach – Archway Islands + fur seals = unforgettable

🏞️ Kahurangi National Park – Tramping, caves, fossils, and wilderness

⛏️ Aorere Goldfields – Hike to old goldmines and a historic water race

🚲 Rameka Track – Popular for MTB enthusiasts

🛶 Pakawau & Parapara Inlets – Scenic kayaking spots nearby

🏁 Final Word

Collingwood may be small, but its surroundings are some of the wildest and most magical in New Zealand. Whether you’re here to chase sunsets, wander ancient dunes, or unplug by the sea, this coastal gem promises peace, nature, and adventure all wrapped into one.

🌿 Come for the views. Stay for the vibe. Return for the memories.

🚀