Anahata Location
Anahata is situated in the midst of native beech forest with spectacular ocean views bordering the Abel Tasman National Park. We are located in the beautiful Golden Bay area of New Zealand, in the northwest part of the South Island. Anahata is situated 640 metres (2000 ft.) above sea level, at an idyllic spot called Bird’s Clearing. The closest town is Takaka.
You will need your own transport to get to Anahata. We are 2hrs drive from Nelson and 15km from Takaka. The last 7km of the trip is unsealed road with 5 small water crossings. A 4WD is helpful but is not mandatory. With careful driving 2WD cars can travel to Anahata without issue.
Self-Drive 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.
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). There are two cattle stops on the way up the hill, please go straight through them, don’t take the road to the left before the cattle stops (these are private houses) 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).
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).
Distances
Nelson to Takaka – 2 hour 10 minute drive
Motueka to Takaka – 1 hour drive
Takaka to Anahata – 30 minute drive (15 km)
By Public Transport
There is a coach that runs between Nelson and Takaka regularly and drops off at The Info Centre in Takaka.
Timetable and bookings can be found at Golden Bay Coachlines or call: 03 525 8352
Note: Please check these regularly and before booking flights as the timetable changes seasonally.
Golden Bay Air offers convenient shuttle bus transfers between Nelson Airport and Takaka Visitor Center.
Visit https://goldenbayair.co.nz/heaphytrack.html or call 035258725
By Air
Nelson is the main national airport for the region and is a 2 hour drive from Takaka. Or fly directly from Wellington to Takaka.
Golden Bay Air offers scheduled flights from Wellington and Nelson directly to Takaka all year. This is a gorgeous flight over Cook Strait and Abel Tasman National Park.
Air New Zealand offers daily flights to Nelson.
If flying in and out of Takaka Airport, Anahata offers airport pick up/drop off for $50 return. Please arrange in advance with the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Anahata or if we can help you in any way, please contact us at yoga@anahata-retreat.org.nz