Anchorage Beach Abel Tasman National Park
Discover the breathtaking golden sands and turquoise waters of Anchorage Beach, a paradise in Abel Tasman National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest weather for swimming
Anchorage Beach Abel Tasman National Park
Best Time
Warmest weather for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking golden sands and turquoise waters of Anchorage Beach, a paradise in Abel Tasman National Park.
"Such a great beach and really enjoyable to walk up to."
Book Water Taxis Early
Secure your transport to and from Anchorage Beach in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the Hidden Cove
Wade through the water to find a magical cove and cave – don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hidden Cove and Cave
Northwest end of Anchorage Beach
Discover a magical, secluded cove and cave accessible by wading through shallow water. A true hidden gem!
Te Pukatea Bay Hike
Trailhead from Anchorage Beach
A short, scenic 2km walk to a stunning crescent-shaped bay, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Pitt Head Loop
Trailhead from Anchorage Beach
A 3km loop through Manuka forest offering beautiful coastal vistas and a glimpse of local flora.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Anchorage Beach
Exploring Anchorage Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Water Taxis Early
Secure your transport to and from Anchorage Beach in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the Hidden Cove
Wade through the water to find a magical cove and cave – don't miss it!
Watch for Weka Birds
These curious native birds are often spotted around the beach.
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for a day at the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Water Taxis Early
Secure your transport to and from Anchorage Beach in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the Hidden Cove
Wade through the water to find a magical cove and cave – don't miss it!
Watch for Weka Birds
These curious native birds are often spotted around the beach.
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for a day at the beach.
Consider a Guided Tour
Tours offer kayaking and trekking, combining activities for a full experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Anchorage Beach's breathtaking golden sands and clear turquoise waters, calling it a 'new favorite beach.' The hidden cove and cave are a must-explore, offering a magical experience. While the water can be chilly, the beauty and tranquility of the beach, along with the scenic short hikes, make it a highly recommended destination.
"Anchorage Bay is breathtaking with its golden sands and turquoise waters. Make sure to check out the small cove and cave at the northwest end of the beach. We almost missed it since you have to shimmy through the water around some rocks, but we’re so glad we didn’t—it was beautiful and fun to explore.
There are also two short hikes from the beach:
• Te Pukatea Bay (2 km) – A short walk to crescent-shaped bay.
• Pitt Head Loop (3 km) – A route through Manuka forest with coastal views.
Both hikes were scenic enough, but if you’ve already done a lot of hiking in New Zealand, the beach itself is where it’s at."
Zach Stanford
"The Best of Both Worlds Tour was excellent! A peaceful kayak before lunch, then a 2-3 hour trek to Anchorage Bay (be sure to take a swim in the pristine water)."
Kimmy
"Such a great beach and really enjoyable to walk up to. You can catch a water taxi to here and soak up the atmosphere then walk back
Watch out for the Weka"
Rebecca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Anchorage Beach is by water taxi from Marahau or Kaiteriteri. You can also hike or kayak to it as part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Booking water taxis in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
No, Anchorage Beach is not accessible by car. It's part of the Abel Tasman National Park, which is largely car-free. Access is primarily by water taxi, walking, or kayaking.
Several water taxi operators run services from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Beach, often including stops at Split Apple Rock for wildlife viewing. 
Yes, Anchorage Beach is a popular stop along the Abel Tasman Coast Track. You can hike to it from Marahau or other points along the track.
This popular tour combines a peaceful kayak trip with a 2-3 hour trek to Anchorage Beach, allowing you to experience the park from different perspectives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Abel Tasman National Park does not have an entrance fee. However, you will need to pay for water taxi services, kayak rentals, or any guided tours you choose.
Water taxi prices vary depending on the operator and the specific route, but expect to pay around NZD $50-$70 for a one-way trip from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Beach.
While there's no entry fee, booking water taxis and popular tours in advance is essential, especially during the busy summer months (December to February).
Water taxi services typically operate daily during daylight hours, but schedules can vary by season and operator. It's best to check with your chosen company for specific timings.
Yes, there is a campsite at Anchorage Beach managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Bookings are required and can be made through the DOC website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the golden sands, swim in the calm waters, explore the hidden cove and cave, and take short hikes to Te Pukatea Bay or Pitt Head Loop.
Yes, the water at Anchorage Beach is generally calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming. It can be a bit chilly, especially in early March.
Absolutely! The Te Pukatea Bay track (2 km return) leads to a beautiful crescent bay, and the Pitt Head Loop (3 km return) offers lovely coastal views.
Keep an eye out for the native Weka bird, which is often seen around the beach. You might also spot seals or dolphins if you take a water taxi or kayak trip.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, plenty of water, and snacks. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The hidden cove and cave offer unique photographic opportunities. The views from the Pitt Head Loop and the crescent shape of Te Pukatea Bay are also stunning.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most beautiful golden hues on the sand and water. Midday can be harsh, but the turquoise water is still vibrant.
Drone usage is restricted in New Zealand National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest DOC regulations before flying a drone.
Split Apple Rock, often visited on the way to Anchorage Beach via water taxi, is a famous geological formation and a popular photo spot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a water taxi that makes stops, allowing for wildlife spotting like seals or dolphins, which is always a hit with kids. Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is essential, as facilities are limited. The hidden cove and cave also provide an element of adventure that children will love exploring.
🚶 Hikers and Trekkers
The Te Pukatea Bay and Pitt Head Loop trails offer excellent opportunities for shorter excursions from the beach, providing diverse scenery from coastal vistas to native forest. If you're planning a multi-day trek, booking accommodation at the Anchorage campsite in advance is crucial.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to capture the native wildlife, like the Weka birds, and the stunning views from the Pitt Head Loop. If you're arriving by water taxi, the journey itself offers incredible perspectives, with opportunities to photograph Split Apple Rock and potential marine life sightings.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Abel Tasman National Park
Visitors often choose to combine different modes of transport. A popular approach is to take a water taxi to a specific bay, enjoy a few hours of beach time or a short hike, and then arrange for a water taxi pick-up later in the day. Alternatively, many opt for multi-day treks along the Coast Track, staying in DOC campsites or private lodges. Kayaking offers a unique perspective, allowing you to explore secluded coves and observe marine life up close.
+1When planning your visit, consider the 'Best of Both Worlds' tour, which blends kayaking with hiking, offering a comprehensive taste of the park's beauty. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks, as facilities can be limited in more remote areas. The park's natural beauty is its main draw, so embrace the opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the stunning coastal environment.
The Allure of Anchorage Beach
A key highlight is the hidden cove and cave located at the northwest end of the beach. Accessing it involves a short wade through shallow water around some rocks, but the reward is a secluded and picturesque spot perfect for exploration and photography.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot the endemic Weka bird foraging near the beach. For those arriving by water taxi, keep an eye out for seals and dolphins in the bay. Anchorage Beach truly embodies the idyllic coastal paradise that Abel Tasman is famous for, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and gentle adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit