Tōtaranui to Anapai Bay

Tōtaranui to Anapai Bay is an out-and-back walk on the northern Abel Tasman Coast Track. From the Tōtaranui camp office, follow the coast route around the estuary, over a low saddle, and down through forest to Anapai Bay, then return on the same track. The mapped corridor is about 3.2 km each way, or 6.4 km return; allow about 2.5 hours, with extra time if you want to linger on the sand. A short-walk listing gives 4.2 km return, so published distances differ. Check the track map at Tōtaranui if exact mileage matters. This is the Anapai outing, not a continuation north on the Coast Track.

The first part follows the Coast Track around Tōtaranui estuary before the route climbs to a low saddle. It is a short rise, but this is not a flat beach stroll. The track is graded intermediate, despite being described as an easy walk with a gentle descent toward the bay. The map and elevation profile show the route rising inland from the campground before dropping back to sea level at Anapai. Give yourself time for the return climb instead of treating the beach as the finish line.

The saddle changes the feel of the walk. Dry kānuka covers the ridgecrest, then the track winds down through greener, lush valley forest. That contrast is one of the few reasons to keep looking away from the coast on the way to the beach. The mapped track includes a rocky section, and the forested descent leads directly to Anapai. The Coast Track continues farther north from here, so turn around at the bay for the distance in this guide.

Anapai is a broad sandy bay divided into two beach sections by rock outcrops. The harder rock is at the northern end; the southern side has more deeply weathered granite. Walk along the shore to see the formations from both sides, rather than stopping at the first patch of sand. The stacks beside the water make the strongest view: keep some beach and water in the frame to show their scale. Anapai is the route’s destination and the natural place to pause before heading back over the saddle.

Tōtaranui has filtered tap water, so fill up before leaving the campground. Untreated water in the park may carry Giardia; treat it before drinking. There is no food outlet identified along this walk, so bring what you want for a beach break. Day visitors must carry their rubbish out, and dogs are not allowed. Wasps are more common from December through April; if you are allergic to stings, carry antihistamine.

Start at the Tōtaranui camp office and campground area, where this route joins the Coast Track. The final 12 km of road into Tōtaranui is narrow, winding, and unsealed, so allow time for the drive. Parking capacity and day-use fees were not established. The camp office is the best place to check the current track map, especially because published distance figures do not match the mapped route.