One of Abel Tasman's best-known beaches
Anchorage is the most visited beach in Abel Tasman National Park, and a strong choice for visitors who want flexibility. Most people arrive by water taxi from Marahau or Kaiteriteri, though the bay is also reached by kayak or on foot via the Abel Tasman Coast Track. The name comes from the headlands that shelter the bay on both sides, long making it a natural anchorage for boats.
Once ashore, you can relax on the wide sandy beach, swim in settled conditions, or walk the Pitt Head Loop, which climbs to the site of a former Māori pā before dropping down to Te Pukatea Bay, a smaller crescent-shaped beach framed by native bush. The full loop takes around 1.5 hours return. Anchorage also sits directly on the Coast Track, roughly 11.5 km (about 4 hours' walk) from Marahau and around 9.5–11.5 km (3–4 hours, tide dependent) from Bark Bay to the north, which makes it a common overnight stop for multi-day walkers as well as a straightforward half or full day trip on its own.
Highlights
Anchorage Beach and sheltered bay views
Pitt Head loop track and lookout points
Te Pukatea Bay nearby
Swimming, picnics and easy beach time
Anchorage at a glance
Abel Tasman Coast Track
One of the main stops on the multi-day Coast Track.
Sheltered beach
Calm, swimmable conditions for most of the year.
Pitt Head & Te Pukatea Bay
Short tracks lead to a lookout and a quieter second beach.
DOC hut & campsite
A Department of Conservation hut and campsite serve overnight Coast Track walkers.
See the setting
In the final build this would pull from a Destination gallery field, giving each bay or landmark its own image set.
Nearby walks
Short tracks lead out from Anchorage Beach. These feature as optional walks on several Wilsons day trips that call in here.
Te Pukatea Bay
2 km return · 1 hour · Easy
Pitt Head Loop
4 km return · 1.5 hours · Easy–Moderate
Cleopatra's Pool
4 km return · 1.5 hours · Moderate
See trips that visit Anchorage for options that include these walks.
Finding Anchorage
Wilsons operates cruise and walk options into Anchorage, plus Vista Cruise services and private water taxi access. Anchorage is also part of several multi-day lodge-based routes.
Know before you go
Selected destination
Anchorage
From Marahau
11.5 km · ~4 hrs
To Bark Bay
9.5–11.5 km · 3–4 hrs
Field notes
- Anchorage can be windy. Bring a windbreaker and warm layers, especially outside summer.
- Sandflies are common near the bush line at dusk. Insect repellent is worth packing.
- The beach gets busy over summer weekends and school holidays.
- Huts and campsites must be booked in advance through the Department of Conservation, not through Wilsons.
FAQs
Is Anchorage a good first Abel Tasman destination?
Yes. It offers a clear mix of beach, short walking, views and return boat logistics.
Do I need to walk at Anchorage?
No. You can spend time on the beach, or choose optional walks if you want more activity.
What trips should I compare?
Start with Anchorage Beaches & Bays, Vista Cruise options, guided kayak combinations and lodge-based trips that move through Anchorage.
How do I get to Anchorage?
By boat, as part of a cruise or water taxi trip, or on foot via the Abel Tasman Coast Track. There is no road access to Anchorage.
Can I stay overnight at Anchorage?
Yes. A Department of Conservation hut and campsite near Anchorage serve overnight Coast Track walkers, booked directly through the Department of Conservation.
