Anakiwa, the End of the Queen Charlotte Track
Anakiwa sits in Grove Arm near the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on Thomson Bay and marks the eastern end of the 72-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track. For walkers and cyclists completing the entire track, it is typically the finish line, with a jetty where many celebrate their arrival before catching a water taxi back to Picton. It is also the end of the first stage of Te Araroa in the South Island. Accommodation ranges from backpacker lodges to holiday homes.
As a short walk option, walk along the Queen Charlotte Track to the Davies Bay Campsite / Umangata Bay. It takes about an hour to walk, with the path passing through beautiful, mature and regenerating forest alongside the Sound.
A Bay of Calm Waters
The bay is well sheltered and ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Outward Bound school is also based there.
Getting There
Anakiwa is 26 kilometres from Picton or 17 kilometres from Havelock via Queen Charlotte Drive. Water taxis connect it regularly with Picton.
On Queen Charlotte Drive, you can also discover lovely beaches at Governors Bay, Momorangi Bay, and Ngākuta Bay. From Havelock, you can organise a trip around the Sound on the mail boat.
