Torrent Bay, known officially as Rākauroa / Torrent Bay, is one of the most photographed inlets on the Coast Track — a wide horseshoe of pale sand backed by bush, with the small private holiday settlement of Torrent Bay village at its head. At low tide the bay drains almost completely; at high tide it is a shallow, warm swimming lagoon.
The Anchorage hut and campsite, at the southern end of the bay, is one of the busiest stops on the Coast Track. The famous tidal crossing across the head of the inlet saves around three hours compared to the high-tide track inland and is only passable for about two hours either side of low water. Most kayak operators include Torrent Bay as a paddle destination or pick-up point.