Abel Tasman Inland Track

The Inland Track runs 41.1 km one way from Mārahau to Wainui Bay, including the Coast Track approach to Tinline Bay. DOC classifies it as an advanced tramping track and stages it over three days; its walking estimates add to almost 17 hours. Expect steep forest climbs, high ridges, a tussock basin and long gaps between huts. Arrange transport between the two road ends and give yourself the full three days.

The first 15.1 km, about 5 hours 30 minutes, starts on the Coast Track and turns inland at Tinline Bay. The route climbs steadily, then steeply through regenerating forest. Holyoakes Clearing and its small shelter come after about 2 hours 30 minutes; beyond the clearing, the climb continues to Castle Rock Hut beside granite outcrops overlooking Marahau Valley and Tasman Bay. The next stage is 13 km and about six hours. It heads north, turns west, climbs and undulates before descending 3.5 km to Moa Park Shelter.

Moa Park is an open tussock basin with two short lookout spurs; Porter Rock is the granite outcrop worth taking time for. After the shelter, the track crosses a small stream and re-enters stunted beech forest, then climbs to Evans Ridge, the park’s high spine, before descending gradually to Awapoto Hut. The elevation profile rises to roughly 1,000 m in this interior section. DOC names tūī and bellbirds among the birds visitors may see, and calls out the contrast between regenerating and undisturbed forest, Moa Park’s moorlands and the unusual Canaan landscape.

From Awapoto Hut, the track steepens, eases, then drops steeply to the road at Pigeon Saddle. The last 8 km takes about 2 hours 25 minutes: climb to a viewpoint turnoff, cross a fairly level stretch, then climb briefly over Gibbs Hill. The descent is steep at first to the Wainui–Whariwharangi Coast Track saddle, followed by an easier 45-minute walk down to Wainui car park. The broad views open beyond Gibbs Hill. At Castle Rock Hut, the granite outcrops look back over Marahau Valley and Tasman Bay; they make a particularly good early-light view.

Holyoakes Shelter has two bunks; Castle Rock Hut has eight and Awapoto Hut has twelve. Overnight stays are first come, with no booking required. Each has a toilet and untreated tap water; there are no rubbish facilities, so carry out all rubbish. Plan to carry your food and water treatment. DOC warns that some park water contains Giardia.

Reliable water is scarce, especially between Tinline Bay and Holyoakes Clearing and along Evans Ridge. Unbridged streams can become impassable in flood. Strong winds and heavy rain are possible year-round, and snow sometimes falls around Moa Park and upper Evans Ridge; wasps are especially common from December through April. Dogs are not allowed. Start at the Abel Tasman Coast Track entrance in Mārahau and finish at Wainui car park. High-season buses serve both ends, but plan the transfer before setting out.