GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Map Data: Google, Digital Globe, Department of Conservation (DOC).
An easy 2.5 hours loop walk.
below to explore this walk.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The walk to Golden Bay Track, Deep Bay and Wohlers Monument begins here - at the Department of Conservation's Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre in Oban.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We begin by walking down to the waterfront and then we turn left.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We walk along the waterfront and turn right into Ayr Street.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
At this point Ayr Street becomes Golden Bay Road, which we follow up the fairly steep hill.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Here we pass Traill Park (on our right) which is a popular place for night-time Kiwi bird spotting.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We carry on straight ahead and descend to Golden Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The Golden Bay Track is signposted on our left.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Start of the Golden Bay Track which leads to Deep Bay, Ringaringa and then back to Halfmoon Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Here we are at Golden Bay. The island in the distance is Ulva Island.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
That wharf is where the Ulva Island Ferry leaves from.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Now the track begins its course of climbing up over low headlands and then plunging into small gullies...
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
...Interspersed with viewpoints with island views.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Looking down into Deep Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Here we are at Deep Bay, where Wohlers Road meets Deep Bay Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Deep Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Walking uphill along Deep Bay Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The clifftop along this road is unstable - so vehicle access is limited to residents and emergency services. Did we see tourists ignoring all the signs and driving along here to have a look? Yes. Wallies.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Now Deep Bay Road becomes Ringaringa Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Looking along the coastline towards Ringaringa Point and Native Island in the distance.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Y'know... If we put something under the end of that seat, we could make it sit flat. Nah... She'll be right.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
This is the start of the Wohlers Monument Track.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The monument to Reverend Wohlers.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The reverend and his wife did numerous good deeds and are remembered for them. Reverend Wohlers noted how very unhealthy the natives were. No marks for guessing the obvious, that he himself was spreading devastating European diseases wherever he went (in the proud tradition of all missionaries).
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Looking down towards Ringaringa Point and Native Island in the distance.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Returning to Ringaringa Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Heading back along Ringaringa Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Looking over Ringaringa Beach.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Walking back along Deep Bay Road towards Deep Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Back at Deep Bay we find this sign. It says it is an hour and 2.5 km to Halfmoon Bay...
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
...But hold on a second. On this side of the sign it says it is only 20 minutes and 1 km to Halfmoon Bay. We like this side of the sign much better. The mystery is solved when we walk to the top of the steep hill to our left...
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
At the top of our short steep climb we come to this DOC sign. This track is the quick way back to Halfmoon Bay. Walking via the road takes much longer. Now it is all making sense...
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Walking along the Deep Bay Track towards Halfmoon Bay.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Exiting the Deep Bay Track where it meets Petersons Hill Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Descending into Halfmoon Bay on Petersons Hill Road.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Following the road back into Oban.
GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Oban.