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ANAURA BAY WALKWAY

This track passes through coastal forest, pine-clad valleys and dense native bush - with a fairly easy grade it's suitable for children, although some climbing is required and there are a few steep places. 

  • The loop formation of the track means it can be walked from either direction. The best starting point is the entrance on the true right bank of the stream at the northern end of the recreation reserve. This is marked by the walkway sign.
  • No Dogs

  • There are water crossings above the ankles in the Waipare Stream, with a moderate climb to the lookout. Extreme care is required when crossing the streams.

  • Only walk the track in dry conditions. This is because this track is very slippery when wet.

  • The walkway may be closed at the discretion of the landowners due to fire risk.

  • The track is boggy in one area approximately half way into the track. A large section of this track is in a pine forest. During windy conditions be careful of falling branches. 

  • After crossing a stile, the track winds up through young coastal forest with abundant birdlife to an open farm paddock. A brief climb through this paddock brings the walker to a ridge saddle with panoramic views of Anaura Bay, Motuoroi Island and the coastline to the south.

    The track then curves down through pine-clad valleys and turns left off the vehicle track into the scenic reserve. The bed of the Waipare Stream is followed down through the scenic reserve, under the shade of the dense green native bush and out again to the recreation reserve.

COOKS COVE

From the Tolaga Bay Wharf you can hike across farmland and through regenerating forest to Cooks Cove where, in 1769, Captain Cook halted to repair his ship, the Endeavour, and take on fresh supplies.  After about 20 minutes of walking you'll come to a lookout point with excellent views of Cooks Cove. The cove is sheltered by the weather-beaten Mitre Rocks and Pourewa Island.  The track continues down to the cove, where you can explore the hole-in-the-wall (Te Kotere o te Whenua) and inspect the New Zealand Historic Places Trust memorial, which commemorates Cook's visit. This is a good place for a picnic lunch.

PADDLE BOARD & KAYAK HIRE

You can hire Paddle Board and Kayaks from the Camp Office.  Fee:  $20 pp (4hrs) half day Day $30 pp (8hrs) Full day

WATER ACTIVITIES

The bay has a safe swimming, diving and fishing beach for all ages.  

TOLAGA BAY WHARF

Only a 15 minute drive from Anaura Bay is the amazing Tolaga Bay Wharf Allow half an hour to walk to the end of New Zealand's longest wharf and back. At 660 meters in length, this is no ordinary pier.  The opening of Tolaga Bay Wharf in 1929 made it possible for large coastal trading ships to load and offload goods. However, even as the Tolaga Bay wharf opened, improved roading and motor vehicles had begun to compete with coastal shipping. It was ironic that much of the cargo that passed over the wharf was road-making material, used to construct the road through to Gisborne, soon providing an alternate means of transport.  In recent years the wharf has undergone extensive restoration work, which will help to ensure that locals and travelers can dangle a line for many years to come.  I also recommend stopping st J & A's Café in Uawa and grabbing one of their yummy Paua pies or coffee

GROCERIES

The camp has a shop supplying cold drinks, ice-creams, bait, ice and other basics otherwise there is George and Mildred's Store in Tolaga Bay or a Four Square in Tokomaru Bay

ANAURA BEACH

Anaura Bay Family Motor Camp is set on the shoreline of one of the most pristine beaches in New Zealand, the perfect spot for beachside camping.  Just relax and read a book while watching Native Birds including our endangered Dotterel's and Oyster Catchers going about their day.  We ask that you stay off the sand dunes and keep dogs away from the birds and during nesting season we would really appreciate it if dogs were kept on leads on the beach

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