Anchorage is a long, golden-sand beach with bush and beach walking options. Department of Conservation facilities include shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water, 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 hr), then return to Anchorage Beach (1 hr)
Maximum beach time with a 45 minute cruise to Anchorage. Relax, swim or walk to Te Pukatea or Cleopatra's Pool.
Te Pukatea Bay: an easy 45 minute return walk (2km, 1.2 miles, elevation 30m) takes you to this enchanting golden-sand cove, one of the most picturesque bays in the 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 70m) 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 earth works are all that remain of this strategic site.
Cleopatra's Pool: the walk to Cleopatra's Pool takes about 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's COLD!
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.
| 9.20, 10.30 or 1.00 Depart Kaiteriteri to cruise to Anchorage Beach (extended option stay onboard and cruise to Totaranui, then return to Anchorage) |
| 10.05, 11.15 or 1.35 Disembark at Anchorage Beach (extended option disembark at 12.20, 1.25 or 3.35) |
| 12.20, 1.25, 3.35 or 5.20 Vista Cruise departs Anchorage Beach |
| 12.55, 2.40, 4.15 or 6.00 Return to Kaiteriteri |
Boat schedules are seasonal. Please check your choices when booking.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is well-formed and heavy hiking boots aren't necessary, but you can wear them if you prefer.
WE RECOMMEND
Light walking shoes or sports sandals
Sand shoes for kayaking or estuary crossings
NOT RECOMMENDED
Footwear that is not firmly attached to the foot e.g. jandals, flip flops, slides, etc.
We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
The coastal track is well formed and walking sticks are not necessary. However, if you have weak leg joints, or poor balance, you might prefer to bring them.
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 comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and protected azure waters - ideal for swimming.
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.
Please bring your own lunch, or order one of our scrumptious picnic lunches.
You can buy food at Kaiteriteri, where our boats depart, and there are light meals, snack, drinks and ice creams available to buy aboard the Vista Cruise. There is also one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge. Please book your lunch directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.
These are created by a local artisan bakery. Please book and pay for the lunch up to the day before you travel. We cannot refund or transfer this payment within 16 hours of departure.
Dietary options include standard, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan or gluten and dairy free.
Gourmet hamper lunch (NZ$40 per person)
Please note that licensing laws do not permit wine to be taken off the boat. You can choose a bottle of wine to drink on the boat, or a juice to drink ashore.
Classic picnic lunch (NZ$25 per person)
Lite picnic lunch (NZ$15 per person)
Standard or Vegetarian only
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 |
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!
