Getting to Anahata

Anahata Yoga Retreat is located in beautiful Golden Bay, New Zealand, in the northwest part of the South Island. It is situated 640 meters (2000 ft.) above sea level, at an idyllic spot called Bird's Clearing, on the outskirts of the Abel Tasman National Park. The closest town is Takaka. The two closest airports are Takaka (limited service) link and Nelson. The 13km road up to Anahata is unsealed and crosses several small fords. A 4WD vehicle is helpful, but many people drive up in 2WD cars without any problem. See map below.

We are able to arrange a pick up/drop off from Takaka (about a 30 mins drive) which costs $40 to cover fuel costs. Please contact us regarding this closer to the time as we may already be making a scheduled trip to town on your day of arrival/departure, in which case a pick up/drop will be no charge.

IMPORTANT

Anahata is half an hour away from any shops, banks or Internet cafes. If you need a ride to make a trip into town during your stay, you will incur a $20 charge if a staff member is going down the mountain, or a $40 charge for a special trip. Please attend to any needs in town before you come to Anahata. Note that we do not have eftpos or credit card facilities at this time.

If you have any questions about traveling to Anahata or if we can help you in any way, please contact us.

Driving Directions

From Nelson, which is the main city in the north part of the South Island, travel west through the town of Motueka. Note that there are no petrol stations available between Motueka and Takaka, so best to fill up in Motueka. Stick to the speed limits to avoid traps!

After crossing the Takaka Hill from Nelson, you will drive towards and into Takaka. Turn Right immediately past the Visitors Centre (Don't go through Takaka!). Follow the road to the roundabout and turn Right. Drive towards Pohara Beach for about 10 minutes. The road curves on a big right and then a big left. You will pass Motupipi School (on left), then take the next turn right at the Clifton ‘+’ crossroads. You will pass a big wooden giraffe type creature and then Turn right at the ‘T’ Junction. Follow this road to the next T-junction and turn LEFT continuing on Clifton Road. As you turn you will see an orange "Anahata Retreat" sign. You will come to a gravel road and a sign saying Bird Road. Follow the gravel road (Bird Road) up to the top of the mountain (7km). You will notice a sign part way up the hill with several family names on it. This is a private driveway/road to their house. Continue on past this drive. There are some shallow fords and various gates. Please leave the gates as you find them (closed if closed). When you are half way up you will come to 2 gates side-by-side. Go through the left gate (not the one going down the hill to the farm).

When you arrive at the top after approx. 30 minutes driving you will see a little sign on the other side of the top gate to the right that says Abel Tasman - Wainui Hut. Go through this gate and follow the same gravel road heading a little left. On your left (a hundred metres or so) you will see a row of big Pine Trees, a house and some gardens. There is an “ANAHATA” sign on the fence to the right of the gate. You have arrived. Welcome to Anahata Yoga Retreat! Park outside and walk through the Anahata gate to the office (in front of and attached to the building you see).


If you are not comfortable driving up the mountain, cars can be left at the end of the sealed road before the start of the hill and we can pick you up from there. Or, you may park your car in Takaka, and we can pick you up in town.

Click here to view a map of the immediate area (opens in a new window or tab)

Distances

Nelson to Takaka - 2 hour drive
Motueka to Takaka - 1 hour, 20 minute drive
Takaka to Anahata - 35 minute drive (13 km)

By Bus

Three bus companies offer services from Nelson and other South Island cities to Takaka. Schedules will vary from company to company.

Abel Tasman Bus: www.abeltasmantravel.co.nz
Golden Bay Coachlines: www.goldenbaycoachlines.co.nz
Southern Link/KBus: www.kahurangi.co.nz

You will need to be picked up in Takaka to get to Anahata. Please let us know your arrival date & time, and we will arrange to meet you. Pickup/Dropoff in Takaka on Monday or Friday is complimentary. Pickup/Dropoff in Takaka on other days incurs a charge of NZ$40. The trip up the mountain from Takaka takes approximately 35 minutes.

By Air

There is an airport in Nelson, and there is a small airfield in Takaka. Nelson is the main national airport for the region. The Nelson Airport is about a 2 hour drive from Takaka.

Capital Air offers flights from Wellington directly to Takaka from spring through autumn. See www.capitalair.co.nz for flight timetable. This is a gorgeous flight over the Tasman and Abel Tasman National Park.

Air New Zealand offers daily flights to Nelson. Be sure to reserve a window seat on the flight; domestic planes fly at lower altitudes and the scenery is stunning. See www.airnewzealand.com for flights.

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