Pros & cons
PROS
- Natural rock waterslide is a rare, memorable feature
- Easy add‑on from water taxi stop at Anchorage for a quick swim break
CONS
- You’ll miss the signed turnoff if you take the low‑tide estuary shortcut
- Rocks are slick; the slide is unsafe in very low or very high flows
Park at the DOC car park in Marahau and take a water taxi to Anchorage; from there follow the high‑tide route toward Torrent Bay to the signed side track.
Access is via the high‑tide route; check tides. Smooth rock is very slippery—enter and exit with care, and avoid the slide in very low flows or after heavy rain. Use only public tracks around Torrent Bay. Insects (wasps, sandflies) are present; carry repellent. Drones require permits.
Overview
This is a short, detour-style adventure to a freshwater swimming hole on the Torrent River, famous for its smooth natural rock “waterslide.” It branches off the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Anchorage and the Torrent Bay area. Expect clear, cold water and a lively scene on busy days. This is a time‑based side trip (~40 minutes return from the main track) rather than a distance‑driven hike.
Getting There
Most day walkers take a water taxi to Anchorage from Mārahau or Kaiteriteri, then follow the Abel Tasman Coast Track toward Torrent Bay on the high‑tide route; a signed side track leads to Cleopatra’s Pool. Water taxis make section walking easy, and you can return to Anchorage for pickup or continue on to Torrent Bay/Bark Bay for a later pickup.
Route and Timing
From the main Coast Track, the side trip to Cleopatra’s Pool takes about 40 minutes return. If you’re basing from Anchorage, plan roughly 1.5–2.5 hours total including walking time plus a swim/photo stop before returning or carrying on. Tides matter between Anchorage and Torrent Bay: the low‑tide route is a 0.9 km estuary crossing (~20 minutes), while the all‑tide/high‑tide route takes about 1–1.5 hours around the estuary. Crucially, the turnoff to Cleopatra’s Pool is on the high‑tide route—if the pool is a must‑do, take that route even when the estuary is crossable at low tide.
What to Expect
The Coast Track here is well formed and well signposted. The side track is short and easy with some rocks and roots near the river. The pool is clear and cold, and the smooth rock can be very slippery—take care getting in and out. Avoid the natural slide during very low flows (scrapey) and soon after heavy rain (swift water).
Best Time to Hike
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is walkable year‑round. Expect the busiest period from October through April. Start early or later in the afternoon for a quieter pool and softer light in the forested gorge. Always check tide information if you’re planning to use the Torrent Bay estuary crossing elsewhere in your day.
Safety and Etiquette
Bring grippy sandals or water shoes for the slick rock, plus sun protection and insect repellent—wasps and sandflies are present. Stay on marked tracks; parts of Torrent Bay are private—use the public route. Pack out all rubbish. Drones require a permit and are generally not approved. If you’re overnighting elsewhere on the track, know that hut/campsite water is untreated and must be boiled. There is coastal tsunami risk—if you feel a long/strong quake or see unusual sea behavior, move to higher ground.
Elevation
0 mi · 42 minWhere it starts
-40.9568, 173.0586Wildlife on this trail
Near Cleopatra's Pool Track
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayAnchorage CampsiteBeachfront Great Walk campsite with easy water taxi accessRestroom · Picnic Table
0.1 mi awayAnchorage HutModern beachside hut with easy water taxi accessLodging · Restroom
0.2 mi awayAnchorage CavesSmall seaside caves where glowworms sparkle after darkRestroom · Picnic Table
0.2 mi awayPitt Head Loop TrackShort coastal loop from Anchorage to historic headland and Te PukateaEasy · 2 mi · 1.2 hr
0.3 mi awayThe AnchorageGolden-sand hub with taxis, glowworms, and easy side tripsTrailhead · Campground
2.8 mi awayTinline Nature WalkA 20-minute forest detour with a quirky tree near Tinline BayEasy · 0 mi · 20 min
2.8 mi awayBark Bay to Torrent BayClassic coast walk with a swing bridge and an optional tidal shortcutModerate · 5.2 mi · 3 hr
3.9 mi awayAbel Tasman Coast TrackGolden beaches, swing bridges, and tide‑timed tramping on the coastModerate · 37.3 mi · 20 hr
