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Takaka Hill: SH60, Takaka Hill, Tasman
Photo: Schwede66 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Tasman, New Zealand Nelson, Marlborough and Kaikoura

Takaka Hill: SH60

SH 60 · Riwaka → Takaka

Intense32 mi1 hr3,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,700 ftOne way
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The drive

Takaka Hill, also called Marble Mountain, carries State Highway 60 over the range between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. It is the only road into Golden Bay, and its constant winding is the reason the area feels so far from the rest of the South Island. This drive starts at Riwaka and follows the Riuwaka River valley up the hill, then drops into the Takaka River valley and down to Takaka.

Hawkes Lookout, on SH60 about 14 km from Riwaka, has a viewing platform over the Riuwaka River, with Tasman Bay and the Richmond Range beyond. Near the summit the road passes the Ngārua Caves, limestone caves with moa bone deposits, where tours run from a car park and café. The road reaches 791 m at its highest point.

The corners come one after another from Riwaka to the summit and again on the way down to Takaka.

Along the way

  1. Riwaka
  2. Hawkes Lookout
  3. Takaka
Elevation
3,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,700 ft
RiwakaTakaka
Curves
Mostly moderate, with one twisty stretch
RiwakaTakaka
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The hill is one bend after another, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
  • Slips and subsidence have left one-lane sections with traffic lights and 30 km/h limits at times, so allow extra time.
  • Check NZTA Journeys before crossing, because this is the only road into Golden Bay.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journeys: traffic and road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Takaka Hill take to drive?

SH60 over Takaka Hill from Riwaka to Takaka is 51 km (32 mi) and takes about 1 hour.

Is there another way into Golden Bay?

No. State Highway 60 over Takaka Hill is the only road into Golden Bay.

What is Hawkes Lookout on Takaka Hill?

Hawkes Lookout is a viewing platform on SH60 about 14 km from Riwaka, overlooking the Riuwaka River with views of Tasman Bay and the Richmond Range.

Are there caves on Takaka Hill?

Yes. The Ngārua Caves are limestone caves near the summit beside SH60, with scheduled tours from the car park and café.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

All 3 drives in Tasman, New Zealand ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Takaka Hill: SH60, from Riwaka to Takaka