Last updated November 2026
Anaura Bay is a scenic coastal destination on New Zealand’s East Coast, approximately 67 km north of Gisborne along State Highway 35.
The bay features a sandy beach backed by coastal forest and a scenic reserve, offering a peaceful setting for beach time and short walks. It lies within the rohe of Te Aitanga-ā-Hauiti and Ngāti Porou hapū and holds historical significance as the site of Captain James Cook’s landing in October 1769.
Visitors reach the bay via a short detour off the main highway, and the area is managed in part by the Department of Conservation.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Anaura Bay Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Oct–Apr by Gisborne District Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Anaura Bay
Friday 6 NovemberWater quality track record
Good at 2 testing spots, Poor at 1 (2019 to 2025)ShowHide
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci (sea) or E. coli (fresh water) results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (Anaura Bay north lagoon: 5,770 per 100 mL from 76 tests; Anaura Bay opposite the northern camping ground: 146 per 100 mL from 117 tests; Anaura Bay opposite the southern camping ground: 134 per 100 mL from 118 tests).
Surf Facts
Surf today at Anaura Bay
Surf break at Anaura Bay
Practical Information
- Location
- Anaura Bay, 67 km north of Gisborne via SH35, then 8.7 km on Anaura Road
- Access
- Drive only; limited public transport
- Campsite
- DOC Anaura Bay Campsite (bookings required); open Labour weekend to Easter; $15 adult, $7.50 child per night; bring chemical toilet
- Walkway
- Anaura Bay Walkway (DOC); 4.5 km loop, 2 hours, moderate with some steep sections and stream crossings. Only open from the north entrance to the lookout and pines area; the rest of the loop is closed by storm damage
- Beach safety
- No lifeguards; strong waves and rips possible; supervise children
- Best time
- Summer months for beach activities; check weather and track conditions year-round
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Anaura Bay
Anaura Bay sits on the East Coast between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay. The beach is framed by lush coastal vegetation and the Anaura Bay Scenic Reserve, which protects native bush and provides habitat for local birdlife. The area offers a quiet alternative to busier coastal spots, with opportunities for swimming, picnicking and exploring on foot.
The bay’s defining feature is its combination of accessible beach and the adjacent Anaura Bay Walkway. The walkway provides elevated views across the bay to Motuoroi Island and the surrounding coastline. Stream crossings and sections through pine forest and native bush add variety to the short loop.
Cultural connections run deep. The Hinetamatea Marae serves as a meeting place for local hapū. Captain James Cook anchored here on 20 October 1769, replenished water and recorded interactions with Māori communities who were cultivating gardens in the area.
Walking the Anaura Bay Walkway
The Anaura Bay Walkway is a DOC-managed loop track starting at the northern end of the recreation reserve. It climbs through coastal forest to a ridge saddle offering panoramic views, then descends via pine-clad valleys and follows the Waipare Stream back to the beach. The track suits families with children but includes moderate climbs, steep sections and ankle-deep stream crossings.
Walkers should attempt the track only in dry conditions, as it becomes very slippery when wet. Strong winds can bring down branches in the pine forest.
DOC has a long-term partial closure on the walkway: it is only open from the north entrance to the lookout and pines area, and beyond that point the track is closed by storm damage, so the full loop can’t be walked. Start at the signposted northern entrance and return the same way.
Beach and Swimming at Anaura Bay
The beach at Anaura Bay provides a sheltered spot for swimming and relaxing when conditions are calm. Strong waves, rip currents and changing weather are common, so visitors should check conditions and avoid swimming alone or in rough seas. There are no lifeguards on duty.
The campsite sits directly beside the beach and a stream, making it convenient for day visitors and overnight stays. Tsunami evacuation routes lead to higher ground north of the campsite.
Where to Stay
The primary accommodation is the DOC Anaura Bay Campsite, which requires advance bookings and closes from the end of Easter until Labour weekend. Campers must supply their own chemical toilet. Basic supplies are limited on site; larger towns nearby provide groceries and fuel.
Surfing at Anaura Bay
Anaura Bay is also known for its surf. Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s official visitor site lists the bay for classic Kiwi camping, fishing and surfing. The beach faces east into the open Pacific and is far quieter than the town breaks around Gisborne.
DOC warns that the bay can have strong waves, dangerous rip currents and unpredictable weather, and says to stay out if you are not confident you have the skills for the conditions. There are no lifeguards, so don’t surf alone and check the forecast before the drive in.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Anaura Bay Walkway: Official track description, access details and safety information.
Department of Conservation – Anaura Bay Campsite: Booking information, fees, opening dates and facilities.
Gisborne District Council: Regional information and visitor resources for the Tairāwhiti area.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne: Tokomaru and Anaura Bay: Official visitor guide to Anaura Bay and the surrounding coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Anaura Bay from Gisborne?
Approximately 67 km north along State Highway 35, plus an 8.7 km drive down Anaura Road.
Is the Anaura Bay Walkway suitable for children?
Yes, it has a fairly easy grade overall but includes some climbing and stream crossings; supervise children closely.
Do I need to book the campsite?
Yes, bookings are required and can be made online via the DOC website.
Are there lifeguards at the beach?
No lifeguards are present; visitors must assess conditions and supervise children.
When is the campsite closed?
It closes from the end of Easter until Labour weekend each year.
Is cellphone reception reliable?
Reception can be limited in this rural coastal area; plan accordingly.
Can I bring a dog?
Check current DOC and local rules, as restrictions may apply during bird nesting seasons.
What is the historical significance of the bay?
Captain James Cook landed here on 20 October 1769 and interacted with local Māori communities.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 4
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
- Today at Anaura Bay: Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0, times for Tolaga Bay Wharf adjusted from Gisborne using LINZ offsets; the curve shows the shape of the tide, not local heights; predictions only. Sea temperature: NASA JPL MUR satellite data for 3 Nov, via Tideteller.
- Water quality track record: Water quality: © LAWA and partner organisations (Gisborne District Council), licensed under CC BY 4.0, results to April 2025.
- Surf Facts: Breaks: Tairāwhiti Gisborne destination page (break name). The way each break faces, the swell that can reach it and its offshore wind are worked out from the LINZ coastline (CC BY 4.0); positions checked on LINZ aerial photos. Legal access: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0).