This well-graded walk is suitable for walking children. With some steep sections of steps it’s not suitable for buggies.
The delightful well-formed Golden Bay bush track winds, climbs and falls along the coastal fringe, providing scenic views of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara. Further along, the road above Ringaringa Beach leads to a track to Wohlers Monument and views of Native Island. Returning via Peterson Hill allows lovely views of Halfmoon Bay. Parts of this walk are along the road but much is in forest, providing some protection on windy or rainy days.
Time:
1 hr 30 min – 2 hr return from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
Getting there:
From the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, walk to the water-front, turn right and then right again into Ayr Street. Follow this street (which becomes Golden Bay Road) for about 10 minutes, passing Traill Park before heading down-hill. On your left, just before Golden Bay, you will see a sign marking the start of the Golden Bay Track. At the Deep Bay end of the track the beach may be explored. Continue straight ahead along the road to Ringaringa, with the golf course on your left, and follow the road as it veers right along cliffs above the beach.
The monument to Reverend Wohlers, an early missionary, is situated just a short walk from the road end beyond Ringaringa Beach. From the end of the track you get good views out over Native Island and the inlet. To return to Halfmoon Bay, walk back along the road past Deep Bay and up the hill for a short distance, until you find a track on your left though Deep Bay Reserve and over Peterson Hill.
