Return boat transport into Anchorage Beach. This long, golden-sand beach has many bush and beach walking options. Department of Conservation facilities include shelter, picnic tables, and flushing toilets.
Cruise through the Astrolabe Roadstead then relax on the beach or enjoy a walk. Click on the itinerary tab below for all your walking options.
Extended cruise option: Cruise all the way to Totaranui (2 hrs), then return to Anchorage Beach (1 hr).
Return boat transport to Anchorage Beach - 45 mins each way. Relax, swim or take a walk up to 3 hours.
Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office 20 minutes before departure. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat.
9.20am, *10.30am (Water Taxi) or 1pm Depart Kaiteriteri to cruise to Anchorage Beach (extended option stay onboard and cruise to Totaranui, then return to Anchorage)
10.05am, *11.20am or 1.35pm Disembark at Anchorage Beach (extended option disembark at 12.20pm)
12.20pm or 3.35pm Depart Anchorage Beach
12.55pm or 4.15pm Return to Kaiteriteri
* 10.30am departure available 1 November to 31 March. Boat schedules are seasonal. Please check your choices when booking.
Te Pukatea Bay – an easy 1 hour return walk (2km/1.2 miles, elevation 60m) takes you to this enchanting golden-sand cove, one of the most picturesque bays in Abel Tasman National Park. Its azure waters are ideal for a swim before you amble back to Anchorage.
Pitt Head Loop Track – 1 hr 30 min return (4km/2.5 miles, elevation 80m) from Anchorage through sunny Manuka forest to Te Pukatea Bay via Pitt Head, the site of an ancient Māori Pa (fortified village). The panoramic views of the coast and some evidence of earthworks are all that remain of this strategic site.
Cleopatra's Pool – this walk takes approx. 1 hr 30 min return (4km/2.5 miles, elevation 165m) around the Torrent Bay estuary, but don't forget to allow extra time to enjoy this crystal clear mountain stream with a natural water slide. It may be cold, but it's very refreshing!
We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
We enjoy glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort.
Wear quick-dry, loose fitting clothing. You are walking beside the sea, so might have to roll up trousers and remove shoes for short tidal crossings.
The coastal track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track winds over headlands (max. elevation 150 metres - 500 feet) and comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and sheltered azure waters - ideal for swimming.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.
Not recommended: Cotton clothing (especially denim) is very heavy and cold if it gets wet. It takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.
For a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please give us your order by 5 pm the night before your trip. Standard, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free/Vegan options available.
Classic picnic lunch (NZ$27 per person)
The Vista Cruise has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals. Click through to the Vista Cruise Menu.
You are welcome to bring your own lunch. Takeaway food is available at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow extra time to choose your lunch. The shop can be busy when boats are departing.
There is one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge, open during the summer months. Please book directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.
Click here for details of barbecue lunches available in the park.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.They assist with balance, and relieve pressure on knee and ankle joints.
Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.
New Zealand MetService puts the Nelson/Motueka region amongst the sunniest places in the country with over 2,350 bright sunshine hours per year. Average rainfall in the Nelson region is 988mm (38inches) per year. This rises to about 1800mm as you travel north to Totaranui.
For Nelson's daily weather forecasts, visit the New Zealand MetService website.
Average air temperatures and rainfall through the year
|
Mean Daily |
Mean Daily |
Average Rain |
|
|
Summer (Dec/Jan/Feb) |
22/72 |
13/55 |
6 |
|
Autumn (Mar/Apr/May) |
18/64 |
8/46 |
8 |
|
Winter (Jun/Jul/Aug) |
13/55 |
3/37 |
10 |
|
Spring (Sept/Oct/Nov) |
17/63 |
7/45 |
10 |
For day trips, the Better Bus provides Nelson-Kaiteriteri-Marahau bus connections. Schedules meet our 9.20 am Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri and the 4.15 pm return to Kaiteriteri. Please book on their website.
Go to Bus Connections for more details and costs.
Lodge-based overnight trips include transfers on our own coach. We pick up from main accommodation providers in Nelson city, and along Highway 60 between Nelson and Motueka.
Kaiteriteri has free, all-day parking. During the busy holiday season (Dec 20 to end February) it can be difficult to find a convenient parking spot. Please allow at least 30 minutes to find a park and walk back to check-in 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Overnight parking at Kaiteriteri Beach:
Available free except for the busy holiday season 20 December to 18 February. During this time, limited free overnight parking is available in the trailer park on Martin Farm Road, 15 mins walk (1 km) from check in at Kaiteriteri.
Parking is not secure. To avoid temptation please do not leave valuables in your car.
I did the Anchorage bay trip with my aunt and cousin (over from Holland) and we a great time! The boat trip was gorgeous and it was great to see split apple rock and the seals as well. We did the pit head loop walk (which was recommended by your crew) when we got to Anchorage Bay and even saw dolphins from the look out which was amazing! The crew were lovely and had a great chat to my 6 year old cousin. Thank you!
