TAKAKA
The town of Takaka is the ‘capital’ of
the Golden Bay region. This is distinct from the Tasman Bay. Golden
Bay includes Farewell Spit and Collingwood. From Motueka, Takaka is
only 50 ks but to get there one has to go over the Takaka Hill. This
is quite a rise and view from the lookouts on a good day is quite
breathtaking.
Farming, sawmilling,
limestone quarrying and tourism are major local industries. The area
around Takaka is mineral-rich, with gold, iron ore, copper, silver and
asbestos all found locally, although not all in commercially viable
amounts. The area around Takaka Hill is also notable for its cave
systems, with New Zealand's deepest vertical shaft, Harwood's Hole
located nearby. Also nearby are the Pu Pu Springs which boast one of
the clearest waterways in New Zealand.
The Museum in Takaka
is located in the mains street, and is dependent on volunteer
personnel to be open; alas on the Sunday we were in Takaka the museum
was closed.
Takaka boasts two
formidable hotels. 
The War Memorial has
been updated and is located near the RSA.
There are a number of
churches in Takaka _small.JPG) 
The old picture
theatre has been converted to food café that displays movie
memorabilia of the 50/60’s
Takaka
is lively and art focused township that is a pleasure to visit and
spend some time at.
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