Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Coast Track continues northeast, skirting around dry ridges, hugging the coast and
opening up to scenic views of Adele and Fisherman Islands, and Coquille and Appletree
Bays. Signposts indicate side tracks leading down to the beaches where you can enjoy a re-
freshing swim in the surf. Trampers can pitch a tent at Appletree Bay Campsite, but be
aware that this is a popular stop for kayakers.
After passing
Yellow Point
and its spur track, the trail turns inland, climbing in and out of
gullies and along ridges lined with silver ferns. Eventually the trees thin out and you are re-
warded with views of Torrent Bay. Here the track branches at a signposted junction. The
main track heads east (right fork), passes a spur track (right), descends quickly to Anchor-
age Beach - 30 minutes away - and goes along the beach to the improved
Anchorage Hut
(34 bunks), constructed in 2014. Just beyond the hut is the Anchorage Campsite, a large and
very popular spot in summer. The whole area is a makeshift marina in that season, with wa-
ter taxis, yachties and kayakers coming and going, or sitting anchored offshore.
You can escape the crush of humanity around the hut by following the short side track at
the eastern end of the beach to Te Pukatea Bay Campsite, or backtracking and taking the
signposted spur track to Watering Cove Campsite.
Day 2: Anchorage to Bark Bay
3 HOURS, 9.5KM
This is a short day, and it can easily be combined with the next stage for a seven-hour walk
to Awaroa…but then again, why hurry when you could dally along the way or hang out
longer at Bark Bay?
From Anchorage Hut, head west along the beach and within 20 minutes climb an easy
track over the headland into
Torrent Bay
. If the tide is right and the water low enough you
can zip straight across the bay; usually you have to be within two hours either side of low
tide to cross.
If you miss low tide and don't wish to wait, follow the all-tide track at the junction above
the tidal crossing on Torrent Bay. It takes around 1½ hours to walk the 3.5km track, which
circles the bay through bush, arriving at the bach settlement of Torrent Bay. It's well worth
taking the 15-minute side track to beautiful
Cleopatra's Pool
where the Torrent River
gushes over smooth rocks. The cold, fresh water is invigorating after a day in the sun and
sea.
