Anaura Bay Walkway, Gisborne

Quick Facts

Important: This walkway is currently partially closed. Storm damage has closed the lower section of the loop. Only the route from the north entrance up to the lookout and pines area is open. You walk up, get the views, then retrace your steps. Check the DOC website for the latest status before making the trip.

Even in its partially open state it’s worth the drive. Anaura Bay itself is one of the better beaches on the East Coast, a 2 km arc of golden sand with no crowds and the open section of the track is genuinely good walking.

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Getting There

From Gisborne take SH35 north for 67 km, then turn onto Anaura Road. It’s a further 8.7 km down Anaura Road to the beach. The road becomes unsealed near the bay. Look for the walkway sign at Nuhiti Bridge, about 100 m past the entrance to the DOC campsite. Free parking near the campsite.

No public transport. This is a car trip, about 90 minutes from Gisborne.

The Walk

Currently open section (north entrance to lookout):

• Cross the stile at Nuhiti Bridge and follow the track up through young coastal forest alongside the stream
• Tui and fantails are active in the canopy above you
• After 10-15 minutes the bush opens out into an open farm paddock
• A brief climb through the paddock brings you to a ridge saddle with views of Anaura Bay, Motuoroi Island and the coastline to the south
• This is currently the turnaround point, retrace your steps back to the start

Full loop (when reopened):

When the full track is open, the loop continues from the ridge saddle down through pine-clad valleys, follows the bed of Waipare Stream back through native bush, and returns to the recreation reserve. The stream crossing is above ankle depth and must be treated with care. There’s a boggy section around the halfway point of the full loop.

What You’ll See

• Coastal bush with tui, fantail and kereru
• Open farmland paddocks with big sky views
• Ridge saddle views of Anaura Bay and Motuoroi Island
• The bay itself, 2 km of golden sand, very quiet by East Coast standards

Anaura Bay has real historical weight too. Captain Cook entered the bay on 21 October 1769. His crew filled water casks from Hawai Stream and were given food by local Māori, fish, wild celery and kumara. Cook recorded what he called remarkable Māori gardens in the area. A Historic Places Trust plaque at Hawai Stream marks the event.

Important Stuff

• Only walk in dry conditions, the track is very slippery when wet and stream crossings become dangerous after rain
• The track crosses private land and can be closed at the landowner’s discretion during fire risk periods
• No dogs
• No water on the track, bring your own
• No cell coverage in the bay and on the track
• The DOC campsite is open October to April and must be booked online in advance — it fills fast over summer
• No toilets at the campsite, bring a chemical toilet or be prepared

Other Walks Nearby

Cooks Cove Walkway at Tolaga Bay is about 55 km south along SH35 and has a similar character, farmland, coast and history. If you’re doing an East Coast road trip both fit in the same day. See everything on the Gisborne Walks hub.