Destination Davies Bay

While we were lazing at Momerangi Bay on Queen Charlotte Sound last week, we thought some exercise would be good. Nothing too strenuous. Just a nice walk on the first part of that end of the Queen Charlotte Track. To Davies Bay from Anakiwa. Davies Bay was directly across the Sound from where we were parked up.Davies Bay is a bay with two names. Umungata or Davies Bay. Usually I agree the original name should get preference. But with Davies Bay I make an exception.

It isn’t far from Momerangi to drive back to the head of the Sound at The Grove and then along the other side of the Sound to Anakiwa. There are quite a few houses here plus the Outward Bound base. This is also one end of the Queen Charlotte Track. It tends to be the finishing end for logistical reasons. In any case, it is a very nice end with lovely forest and vistas, and not far above the water.

Wharf at Anakiwa on Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Track sign

View from Queen Charlotte Track of whark and moored boats at Anakiwa. Looking towards the head of the Sound.

It only took us about 40 minutes to reach Davies Bay. Here there is a DoC campsite for track walkers (or anyone else) in the bush at the back of the bay, a couple of minutes from the water. We enjoyed our lunch there in the sun. After we found a nice bit of the beach to sit on to watch the world go by.

Davies Bay on Queen Charlotte Sound

Kayakers coming ashore at Davies Bay on Queen Charlotte Sound

Eventually we dragged ourselves away and back to Anakiwa. The photographer insisted on a couple of pauses to capture a little of the beauty of the walk itself.

Queen Charlotte Track near Anakiwa

There was still time for a cup of tea at Anakiwa and a couple more pages of the books. Then it was back to Momerangi Bay before the sun went from there as well. We’d made the most of our couple of days camped there and felt ready for a few more days work.