2 Best Sights in Upper South Island and the West Coast, New Zealand

After winding past several small farming districts and close to beach communities such as Paton's Rock, Onekaka, and Tukurua, State Highway 60 ends at Collingwood, a small and picturesque seaside village at the mouth of the giant Aorere River, 26 km (16 miles) west of Tākaka. The earliest European settlers came here in the 1840s to build small ships from the timber lining the beaches and to farm the fertile river plain that spills out of the surrounding mountains. In the late-1850s, gold was discovered nearby and Collingwood became a thriving port-of-entry town; at one time it was even under consideration to be the country's capital. Collingwood is a bit out on a limb from the main roads, but nevertheless has much to offer. It's the northern access point for the Heaphy Track Great Walk and the main base for trips to internationally recognized bird-watching site Farewell Spit and to the wild, remote coastline of the northernmost West Coast, notably Wharariki Beach. The town's rich heritage is well documented, in both the small Collingwood Museum and the neighboring Aorere Centre.

From Tākaka, the coast road heading northeast leads to Totaranui, the northern entry for Abel Tasman National Park. This scenic road passes through Pohara Beach, which has a few cafés and a holiday park, before winding around to Wainui Bay with its alternative Tūi community (a residential community that welcomes visitors) and cascading Wainui Falls (a 75-minute return walk from the road). From Wainui Bay, the road over the Totaranui Hill is a gravel surface. Take it slowly: it's a gorgeous drive through dense native bush to the coast. Totaranui Beach is a long golden-sand beach that is safe for swimming. This area can also be reached by scheduled boat services from Kaiteriteri and Marahau, on the Motueka side of the Tākaka Hill. It's a slice of pure beach bliss, and there's an unpowered campground with basic facilities. There’s generally a wait-list to camp here for the first few weeks after Christmas, large though it is. Otherwise, you should be fine—however, reservations are required no matter what time of year.