Stilwell Bay

Overview

Stilwell Bay is a small, crescent of golden sand on the sheltered Astrolabe Roadstead, directly opposite Motuareronui/Adele Island. It’s a peaceful, photogenic spot: at low tide the beach widens into broad, firm sands; at high tide the bay turns lagoon‑like with inviting, calm water. Expect day visitors in summer—walkers, kayakers, and boaties—but it still feels like a swim‑and‑picnic kind of stop rather than a place to linger overnight.

Setting & Scenery

The bay’s distinctive golden color comes from Separation Point Granite breaking down into coarse, iron‑rich sand, which also helps keep the near‑shore water clear. The wider area features classic granite landforms (Split Apple Rock sits further south near Mārahau), and Adele Island across the roadstead makes a handsome backdrop.

Wildlife

Just offshore, Motuareronui/Adele Island is a predator‑free sanctuary with restored native birdlife such as saddleback/tīeke and South Island robin/toutouwai. Fur seals often haul out around the island, and little blue penguins are sometimes seen by kayakers. Keep your distance from wildlife and don’t land on protected islands; nearby Tonga Island to the north hosts a protected fur‑seal rookery with restricted landing.

Getting There

There’s no road access or parking at Stilwell Bay. Reach it by walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track or by kayak/boat. The bay sits between Apple Tree Bay (about 6 km from Mārahau) and Anchorage (12.4 km from Mārahau) on an easy, undulating section of track with no tidal crossings. For simple logistics, many people take a water taxi to Anchorage and walk south past these bays back to Mārahau.

Facilities

There is no DOC campsite or public toilet at Stilwell Bay. Nearby options with toilets include Akersten Bay (room for 6 campers), Observation Cove (12), and Watering Cove (10). Apple Tree Bay, a little further south, also has a DOC campsite. Book DOC sites in advance if you plan to camp.

Best Time to Visit

Time your stop to the tide: visit at high tide for relaxed swimming, or at low tide for expansive sand and tide‑line wandering. Summer draws day visitors, especially on fine days, so expect some company then. Elsewhere on the Coast Track, certain crossings are tide‑dependent, but not on this Mārahau–Anchorage stretch.

Practical Tips

Carry water and sun protection year‑round. Check DOC notices and water‑taxi timetables if you’re linking a walk with a boat. If you’ll need a toilet, plan to stop at Akersten, Observation, or Watering Cove.