Golden Bay
| Golden Bay / Mohua | |
| Bay | |
 Landsat image
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| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°40′S 172°50′E / 40.667°S 172.833°ECoordinates: 40°40′S 172°50′E / 40.667°S 172.833°E |
Golden Bay / Mohua is a shallow, paraboloid shaped bay at the northwest end of New Zealand's South Island. An arm of the Tasman Sea, the bay lies northwest of Tasman Bay and Cook Strait. It is protected in the north by Farewell Spit, a 26 km long arm of fine golden sand which is the country's longest sandspit. The Aorere and Takaka Rivers flow into the bay from the south.
It is known for being a popular tourist destination, because of its good weather and relaxed, friendly lifestyle. The bay was once a resting area for migrating whales and dolphins such as Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales, and Pygmy blue whales may be observed off the bay as well.
The west and northern regions of the bay are largely unpopulated. Along its southern coast are the towns of Takaka and Collingwood, and also the Abel Tasman National Park. Separation Point, the natural boundary between Golden and Tasman Bays is situated within the park. Basal part of the spit approaches to the North West Nelson National Park.
In December 2011, it (as well as much of the Nelson/Tasman region) was hit by heavy rain and flooding, which affected many homes around the Pohara/Ligar Bay/Tata Beach/Wainui area. The road to Totaranui, a popular isolated tourist destination in Tasman Bay was badly damaged and was reopened on 29 June 2012.
Its beaches like Tata Beach are popular locations for retirees and holiday-homes.
It is located in the Tasman Region, one of the territorial authorities of New Zealand.
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Wikipedia