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Writer's pictureJo Taylor

SUP AROUND THE ISLANDS AT TATA BEACH

Updated: Sep 22

If it's travel brochure perfect golden sand, bright turquoise clear water, spectacular rock formations and green bush scenery that you are after, head to Tata beach for a paddle to remember.

 

Golden Bay is a big natural harbour, with protection from the wild ocean from the largest natural forming spot in New Zealand - Farewell Spit, a whopping 26km long. It gets its name from when gold was discovered in nearby Collingwood in 1842.


I did this paddle whilst hosting aa wahine paddling retreat with Moana Paddle Nelson where we guided 20 amazing ladies on this paddle . It really stands out in my mind as a paddle filled with love, laughs and seeing so many women gain in confidence paddling on the sea here, with big smiles on their faces!


Paddling Paddling through the arch at Golden Bay

SUP around LITTLE TATA ISLANDS

Look out for seals, rays and blue penguins on this paddle, as wildlife fills the water and the rocks here. For bird lovers, these limestone islands are home to one of the largest colony of spotted shags too. Based at the most remote northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park, you can paddle here safely and sheltered in the bay heading to the two Tata islands (Motu and Ngawhiti). Or, paddle a little further along the coastline to Little Tata Beach and check out the whale skeleton on the sand or keep paddling through the granite archway at Wainui Bay.


If you are lucky, bioluminescence can wash into the water here, so keep an eye out on a night time paddle or swim to light up the water with sparkles glistening around you in the water, under the stars. We had 20 of us skinny dipping at 6am under the stars, moonlight and surrounded by the bioluminescence in the ocean, and it was pretty magical (and yes, pretty cold!). If you prefer to wait until daylight and to put some clothes on, this is the perfect spot to head out early at sunrise on your paddleboard to make the most of the calm morning window for paddling.

 

Launching from the eastern end of Tata beach or from the Tata beach boat ramp, take a 3 – 4km paddle loop, ending up where you started. You can paddle out to circumnavigate the Tata islands and then edge back hugging the coast line. Get up close to the island rocks so you can look for seals basking in the sun and shags hanging out on the cliffs. When you come back along the coastline, stay close to the shore to check out the rock formations and keep your eyes peeled for rays in the water.


 

Tata beach blue waters ready for paddleboarding in golden bay
 

Route



 

PADDLING INFO for tata beach

RATING
  • Beginner Friendly

ROUTE & conditions
  • You can paddle here at any time of the tide without issues, but be aware of the tide times and use this to go in the direction of the tides to make your journey most enjoyable.

  • Stay paddling in the protection of the bay unless it's calm then you can head out and around the Tata islands (3km round trip). Get close up to the rocks to see the abundance of wildlife, but be wary of the swell - chat to the Golden Bay Kayak team here before you head out!

  • The wind can pick up here, especially in the afternoon as the sea breeze picks up, blowing a northerly wind, so go as early as you can in the day for the best conditions and calmest waters!

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH
  • Tata Beach, Tasman, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tyr62EbTGqXx5Vr6A

  • Free parking on the road at Tata Beach Esplanade, Petersen Road or Cornwall Place and launch from anywhere along the beach, easily accessible from Tata Beach Boat Ramp

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
WHERE TO SLEEP
LOCAL INFO
  • NZ Maritime Law states a requirement to wear a buoyancy aid when paddleboarding (body or airbelt) and have two forms of communication (e.g. phone and whistle).

  • Lisa and the team down at Golden Bay Kayaks have got you covered for guided tours, hourly SUP hire and daily or multi day kayak rentals, from their special spot on Tata beach. If you want to chat about the conditions, they are always happy to share their wealth of local knowledge with you - plus their coffee cart makes a mean cuppa too!

 

WEATHER & TIDES








Until next time, happy paddling!


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