Last updated October 2026
Anakiwa is a small settlement and sheltered beach at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, roughly 23 km west of Picton. It marks the western end of the Queen Charlotte Track and features a wharf, swimming platform, golden sand mixed with fine gravel, and calm shallow water that warms in summer due to its protected position.
Practical Information
- Location
- Anakiwa Road, off Queen Charlotte Drive
- Distance from Picton
- 23 km (about 30 minutes’ drive)
- Swimming
- Sheltered, shallow, gently shelving bay
- Beach
- Golden sand and fine gravel; jetty and swimming platform
- Queen Charlotte Track
- Western end of the 73.5 km track
- Facilities
- Wharf, water taxi access, public toilets
- Outward Bound
- Home to Cobham Outward Bound School (established 1962)
- Settlement
- Small permanent population (around 55 as of 2010)
- Cost
- Free public access
Swimming Facts
Today at Anakiwa
Friday 13 NovemberWater quality track record
Stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.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 results over the five summers from 2021/22 to 2025/26, with at least 50 tests (192 per 100 mL from 103 tests).
About Anakiwa
Anakiwa lies at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the Marlborough Sounds. The shallow sandy bay and sheltered waters create conditions where the sea warms more quickly than exposed coastal beaches, remaining calm on most days.
The beach fronts a working wharf used by water taxis and the Outward Bound school. A floating swimming platform sits offshore and serves as a popular spot for both locals and walkers completing the track. The settlement itself is tiny, with homes and bush tucked behind the shoreline.
The Cobham Outward Bound School has operated from Anakiwa since 1962, when it was opened by Governor-General Lord Cobham. The school’s activities on the water, wharf and nearby tracks contribute to the area’s distinctive character.
The Queen Charlotte Track
The Queen Charlotte Track runs 73.5 km from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa and forms part of Te Araroa. Most walkers finish here after starting at the Ship Cove end, with water taxis providing the return journey to Picton.
The final 5 km section from Davies Bay (Umungata) to Anakiwa is a flat, easy walk offering good Sounds views and can be done as a standalone day trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Anakiwa from Picton?
Approximately 23 km along Queen Charlotte Drive, a drive of about 30 minutes.
Is Anakiwa beach good for children?
Yes, the bay is sheltered with shallow, gently shelving water that warms in summer. No lifeguards are present, so keep children within arm’s reach.
Is there a swimming platform at Anakiwa?
Yes, a platform is moored offshore from the beach and is popular with both locals and track walkers.
What is Anakiwa best known for?
It is the western terminus of the Queen Charlotte Track and the home of the Cobham Outward Bound School.
Can water taxis be taken from Anakiwa?
Yes, scheduled and on-demand services operate to Picton and other points in the Sounds.
Are there toilets at Anakiwa?
Public toilets are available near the wharf area.
Are shops or cafes available in Anakiwa?
No, the settlement is very small. Visitors should stock up in Picton or Havelock beforehand.
Is the Queen Charlotte Track suitable for mountain biking?
Sections of the track allow mountain biking, though the full length is typically walked; check current conditions and permits with the track trust.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- LAWA — Anakiwa: official water quality monitoring and current swim ratings for the site.
- Department of Conservation — Queen Charlotte Track: official track details, maps and conditions.
- Wikipedia — Anakiwa: background on the settlement and its location in the Marlborough Sounds.
Sources and data notes 2
- Today at Anakiwa: Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0, times for Okiwa Bay adjusted from Picton using LINZ offsets; the curve shows the shape of the tide, not local heights; predictions only.
- Water quality track record: Water quality: © LAWA and partner organisations (Marlborough District Council), licensed under CC BY 4.0, results to March 2026; latest results on LAWA. Facilities: © OpenStreetMap contributors.