Hawkes Lookout is a roadside viewpoint on Tākaka Hill, on the highway at 1147 Takaka Hill Highway, a short drive from the town of Tākaka in Golden Bay. The view it offers is the Riwaka River valley and the wider Golden Bay, which is why the spot is often described as a hidden gem on the hill.
The hill road is the main route between Nelson and Golden Bay, so the lookout is a natural place for travellers to stop, stretch their legs and take in the country below. Tākaka Hill is known for its winding road and the views that open out as the road climbs, and a stop here gives a quiet break from the drive.
Our pick on Tākaka Hill for a short stop on the way into Golden Bay.