Anaura Bay: A Quiet East Cape Retreat
Anaura Bay, located on the East Cape of New Zealand between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay, is known for its quiet, relaxed environment and safe swimming conditions. Some even consider it the most beautiful beach in the country, a notable claim given New Zealand's many stunning coastal spots.
A Quiet Coastal Escape
Upon arrival at Anaura Bay, you'll find a peaceful atmosphere. The bay features a marae at its southern end, a commercial campground near the access road, a DOC campsite and a few houses at the north end. For those interested in hiking, the Anaura Bay Walkway access is opposite the DOC campsite.
This track offers a rewarding hike, climbing steeply to about 150 metres above the beach before descending through a pine forest and following the Waipare Stream back to the shoreline. The track is a 4.5 km loop that takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Historical Significance
Anaura Bay is a historical landing site of Captain James Cook. He arrived on the Endeavour in 1769. A plaque commemorating this event is located near the end of the access road.
The arrival was just days after their tense landfall at Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne). Unlike that earlier encounter, which ended in violence, their time at Anaura Bay was marked by peace and mutual respect. Local Māori rangatira welcomed Cook’s party with a pōwhiri, including waiata and shared kai. Cook anchored to replenish supplies and to clean the ship’s hull.
Botanist Joseph Banks and assistant Herman Spöring were particularly impressed by the highly organised Māori gardens, recording detailed observations of local horticulture. Much of the successful cultural exchange was thanks to Tupaia, the Tahitian navigator and interpreter, who helped bridge the communication gap with the local Ngāti Porou and Te Aitanga-ā-Hauiti iwi.
Cook later described Anaura Bay as a “place of profound peace,” and it set a more positive tone for future visits further north, including to Ūawa (Tolaga Bay).
How to Get to Anaura Bay
To reach Anaura Bay, take the turnoff onto Anaura Road from State Highway 35, situated about 12 minutes north of Tolaga Bay, and 65 minutes, 75 km from Gisborne and Poverty Bay.
Other places to explore in the region include Rere Rockslide, Rere Falls and Te Reinga Falls, as well as the Eastwoodhill National Arboretum.
