Takaka is a small town situated at the southeastern end of Golden Bay, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island. Located on the lower reaches of the Takaka River. it lies at the start of the winding road which follows the river valley before climbing over Takaka Hill, linking Golden Bay with the more populated coast of Tasman Bay to the southeast.

Farming, sawmilling and limestone quarrying are major local induistries, as is tourism. The area around Takaka is mineral-rich, with gold, iron ore, copper, silver and asbestos all found locally, although not all in commercially viable amounts. The area around Takaka Hill is also notable for its cave systems, with New Zealand's deepest cave, Nettlebed Cave located nearby.