The Pitt Head

Abel Tasman Trips Quick Tips:

1 hour round trip Start and end at Anchorage (with no swims)
Bring togs
Go for a swim
Check out the view at the point
Do the full loop track
Lots of conservation work going on
Split some firewood at the Anchorage Campsite

The Pitt Head Peninsular is a great add-on walk as it has a range of things to offer in a relatively short distance. Our favourite part is Te Pukatea Bay. It is one of the coolest beaches and has its own little campsites and slightly hidden from the main hub of Anchorage. This is one of the hidden gems of the Abel Tasman.

Even though this beach can be accessed by the walking track we still recommend that those on kayaking trips camp out here. It’s one of the classic sunrise beaches. There are other awesome beaches you can only reach by Kayak, but this one is pretty memorable. For those just on the day trip loop, it’s a great spot for lunch and a cooling off dip. You will probably start thinking about spending the night out here, but the lookout awaits.

Head up towards the end of the peninsular to get to the Pitt Head Lookout. From here you will get to views back down into Torrent and up The Park. On the way back, make sure you take the other path to complete the loop. This will take you the other way round the hill and then link back up to the anchorage campsite.

Nothing completes the Abel Tasman Experience like the Anchorage firewood shed. Make sure you give back to your fellow explorers and split a few of the old logs for the next person.

Conservation efforts

There has been a reasonably sustained conservation effort for trapping on the Pit Head peninsular. Its geography makes it one of the best locations to concentrate efforts. As such the Bush is recovering well and there is more food and shelter for the birdlife to thrive away from predators. A lot of these efforts are funded through the Janszoon Trust (a private endowment) as well as the tireless local volunteers that really contribute and keep driving the projects forward. Click here to find out how you can volunteer in the Abel Tasman.

These are organized through non-profits such as the Birdsong Trust, Tree collective. Finally, DOC obviously plays an important role. So make sure you take the time to stop, take a deep breath, and listen to the birds’ song as they begin to come back into the Forest.