Access

Water transport arrives towards the southern end of Anchorage beach, from the where the start of the track is signposted, just before crossing the creek on a footbridge.

Track

From the southern end of Anchorage, climb the well-groomed track through the bellbird filled tea tree forest. The walk unfold best by taking a left at the first junction and continue climbing. The first viewpoint is a short detour on the left near the top of the hill with the mountains and hills receding to the blue waters all the way to Tonga Island.

Continue past the second junction, which you will come back to, and head for Pitt Head. Maori used this as a vantage point and a defended pa site, as it was well-protected by steep coastal cliffs and had long distance views to spy the advance of enemy waka. They constructed a defensive ditch, which you cross on the way to the viewpoint and short loop beyond. Back at the previous junction take a left, passing the now covered sites of kumara gardens, to the third viewpoint, this time overlooking Te Pukatea Bay. The track descends to this perfect crescent of golden sand with the campground and toilet behind. It’s then a quick hike over the hill back to Anchorage.