Enjoy a Family Holiday
on Golden Bay's
North West Coast

About Paturau

Location

Paturau is located on Golden Bay's Tai Tapu Coast, about 1 hour 20 minute's travel from Takaka. The winding gravel road past Westhaven Inlet is carved through some of New Zealand's most spectacular estuarine landscape with its everchanging tides, nikau palms and limestone bluffs. The house is nestled on 15 acres of farmland, sand dunes, macrocarpas and coastal bush between the Tasman Sea and the Paturau River. The forest remnant is a Department of Conservation covenant and was fenced off from stock in the winter of 2000. Its rapid regeneration is a source of joy for us and visitors, and may one day provide a sanctuary for the endangered endemic population of the Paturau bush snails. The beach is about 150 metres stroll from the house, the river perhaps a bit closer. Short term freedom camping and picnicers are allowed on the 'point', as we find that this does not greatly affect our privacy.

History

Our house was one of several built in the 1920's by J.H.Richards for his sons. The area is full of historical interest from the early Maori inhabitants to the gold and coal miners, flax millers and loggers of the past, and the present day sheep and cattle farmers. It is an area of old time legendary characters, and many of the stories now have a life of their own. If you talk to any of the locals you will find that many of them are passionate about the history in this area. The Prouse & Saunders flaxmill used to be located near the house, as well as the Paturau Hall, which was pulled down about 15 years ago. J.H's grandson, Harry, still leases our paddocks for grazing sheep.

Climate

The climate on the coast is mild with the Tasman Sea keeping the temperature even all year round. You can expect slightly cooler summers and warmer winters than in many other parts of New Zealand. The predominant wind is the southwesterly, which blows most often in the spring. The house is wonderfully sheltered from the southwest wind. Due to the northerly aspect of the coastline the yearly rainfall is similar to Nelson rather than the West Coast. In fact the inclement weather systems often just pass us by.

Things to Do

  • Explore the miles and miles of isolated and interesting coastline with tide pools and limestone rock formations.
  • The more adventurous can make an overnight trek to the remote Kahurangi Lighthouse.
  • Families with 4WD transport or mountain bikes will enjoy exploring the area all the way down to the Turimawiwi River.
  • The Paturau River is safe and pleasant to swim in.
  • Fishing, diving, gathering mussels and paua, and whitebaiting.
  • Surfing, boogie boarding,windsurfing and kayaking in the waves.
  • Canoeing up the placid local rivers like Sandhills Creek to Lake
    • Otuhie, the Wairoa River, and exploring the Westhaven Inlet.
  • Caving and rock climbing.
  • Just reading and relaxing - there is an ever increasing selection of books and magazines in the house, or dream the day away looking at the waves.
  • The Nugget Cafe in Mangarakau operates over the summer months and is famous for its excellent coffees and tasty, unpretentious fare. Also check out the amazing wood carvings in the Silver Pine Gallery next door to the cafe.
  • The younger members of the family will enjoy playing in the sand dunes and the trees and having fun in the river and the warm rock pools on the beach, flying kites, and grilling sausages on a stick on a bonfire on the beach. The tree swing is irresistable for anyone with a head for heights. There is the usual selection of board games in the house, as well as a wicked mosaic Twister outside.

The House

The homestead is nestled in a sheltered position on 15 acres of farmland, sand dunes and bush between the Tasman Sea and the Paturau River. It is an old villa in good condition, full of quirky rustic charm, and easily accommodates 10 people. The room layout is as follows:
  • Bedroom 1 - queen bed
  • Bedroom 2 - queen bed
  • Bedroom 3 - 2 single beds
  • Bedroom 4 - 2 bunks, lower beds are twin size
All bedrooms have french doors to the verandah which wraps around the house. There is an efficient log burner in the living room, and a small one in bedroom 2. The kitchen and laundry are basic but functional and well equipped - there is no dishwasher or microwave. The bathroom has a flush toilet and a bath, the shower is separate. There is a wood fired barbeque with a picnic table outside, as well as some cosy furniture on the verandah. The nearest dairy is at Pakawau, 45 minutes away, so stock up before you come. We can easily manage 2 weeks'supplies for a large group with a bit of planning, and there is a freezer available. You can also arrange for supplies to be delivered on the mailbus from the dairy or the supermarket in Takaka. The mailbus runs 5 days a week. Dogs are welcome but must be hydatis treated max. 2 weeks before your stay, as this is a farm. The sheep are free range around the house so dogs must be totally safe with stock and kept under control at all times. And please tie your dog up in the kennel for the night.

Rates from 2008 onwards

Minimum stay of 2 nights and $320.00 in all cases. Rates in NZ currency.
  • Off season (until December 19) - $140 / night.
  • Holiday season January $220 / night ; February $200 / night; March $180 / night; April $160 / night
  • Winter May to December - $140 / night
Prices are for the whole house, include gst and are payable at confirmation of your booking. Rates can change without prior notice. Sheets, towels, toilet paper and other basics are included - just bring your own food!

Contact

Pete Hall & Rita Virtama

PO Box 196, Takaka, Golden Bay.
Phone 027 446 5630
e-mail: paturau@paradise.net.nz