Umungata Bay — also called Davies Bay — is a wide, shallow bay on Queen Charlotte Sound about 2 km east of Anakiwa, accessible by walking, cycling or boating along the Queen Charlotte Track. The bay has fine golden sand and coarse gravel that extends well out from shore, a designated water-ski lane, a free DOC campsite, and a picnic area set back from the beach. It’s a popular swim and stopover for walkers and boaties heading along the inner Sound.
Practical Information
| Location | Queen Charlotte Sound, about 2 km east of Anakiwa |
| Access | Walking, cycling or boating — no road access |
| From Anakiwa | Around 45 min walking or 15–20 min cycling along the Queen Charlotte Track |
| Swimming | Wide shallow bay with sand and gravel bottom — warm in summer, safe for all ages |
| Camping | DOC Davies Bay campsite — free, basic, beachfront |
| Picnic Area | Grass picnic area behind the beach |
| Water-skiing | Marked water-ski lane on the western side |
| Facilities | Toilet, basic camp facilities, no drinking water |
| Cost | Free |
About the Bay
Umungata Bay is a shallow, wide-mouthed bay near the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. The bottom is fine golden sand mixed with coarse gravel, and the water depth increases very gradually — you can wade out a long way before getting beyond knee-deep. Combined with the sheltered position deep inside the Sound, this means the water warms noticeably through summer; it’s a comfortable swim by January.
A grass picnic area sits behind the beach, edged with mature trees. The DOC basic campsite occupies the same flat area, with sites suitable for tents — vehicle access for camping is not possible since the bay is only reachable by foot, bike or boat.
The western side of the bay has a marked water-ski lane. Boats coming up the Sound regularly anchor here, and on summer weekends the bay sees a steady mix of walkers, cyclists, swimmers and boaties. Despite this, the long shoreline absorbs the numbers well — there’s space.
Access via the Queen Charlotte Track
Davies Bay sits on the final, easy section of the Queen Charlotte Track between Mistletoe Bay and Anakiwa. From Anakiwa, the walk is around 45 minutes one way — flat, well-formed track through bush, with occasional Sounds views. Cyclists do the same section in 15–20 minutes.
This makes Umungata Bay a popular short out-and-back day walk for visitors who want a taste of the Queen Charlotte Track without committing to the full multi-day trail. It’s also a common lunch stop or overnight base for Queen Charlotte Track cyclists doing the southern half of the trail.
Water Quality and Conditions
As with all sheltered Sounds beaches, water clarity can be temporarily affected after heavy rain because of bush runoff and streams entering the bay. The shallow, warming water also means that during prolonged hot spells, water quality should be checked — LAWA and the local council publish current readings for Sounds swim sites.
The bay is naturally protected from wind and swell, so conditions are usually calm. There is no lifeguard service.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Davies Bay Campsite — the official DOC campsite page with current facility information, access notes and seasonal closures. The authoritative source on camping conditions.
Marlborough Cruise Guide — Davies (Umungata) Bay — a boaties’ guide to the bay with anchoring information, water-ski lane detail and general practical notes for arriving by boat.
DOC — Queen Charlotte Sound area — overview of the wider Sounds area including the Queen Charlotte Track, all nearby campsites, and conditions across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Umungata (Davies) Bay?
By walking or cycling the Queen Charlotte Track from Anakiwa (around 45 minutes’ walk), or by boat. There is no road access.
Can you swim at Umungata Bay?
Yes — it’s a wide, shallow, sheltered bay with sand and fine gravel underfoot. The water warms well through summer and is safe for all ages. There are no lifeguards.
Is there a campsite at Davies Bay?
Yes — DOC operates a free basic campsite directly behind the beach. Tent sites only; no vehicle access.
Is there a water-ski lane at Umungata Bay?
Yes — on the western side of the bay. Swim outside it.
How long is the walk from Anakiwa to Davies Bay?
Around 45 minutes one way along the Queen Charlotte Track — easy, flat, mostly through bush.
Are there toilets at Davies Bay?
Yes — a toilet is provided at the DOC campsite area. No drinking water on site, so bring your own.
Can you stay overnight at Umungata Bay if you’re not walking the track?
Yes — the DOC campsite is open to anyone arriving by foot, bike or boat. There is no online booking; sites are first-come.
For more Sounds swimming and the rest of the Queen Charlotte Track network, see the full guide to swimming in Blenheim. Nearby Anakiwa is the road-accessible end of the same section of track.
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