Abel Tasman National Park Circuit

11-17 August 2023

Our party of four left Christchurch at 10am for a leisurely drive to Marahau, where we stayed at the Barn Backpackers, and enjoyed a pleasant pre-tramp meal at Kaiteriteri.

We were up bright and early to a very frosty morning. The 41.1km Inland Track begins on the Abel Tasman Coast Track at Tinline Bay, climbing steadily away from the coast, then more steeply through regenerating forest. Patches of snow still littered the ground from a big southerly storm two days earlier. At our brief lunch stop at the Holyoake Shelter, as for every other hut and view-point on the track, a portly weka or two popped out to scrounge a feed. We continued on to Castle Rock Hut which is perched near granite outcrops, and came across a herd of feral goats, but fortunately, no other trampers. We were pleased with our decision not to carry tents as the two huts on this inland track are not bookable, so we were trusting to luck.

Next was a 6-hour day from Castle Rock Hut, with a climb up to Moa Park Shelter, and then a long, steady descent down the Evans Ridge through Dracophyllum and beech forest to Awapoto Hut. Peter was keen to ‘bag’ Wainui Hut, which is off the main track and required approximately a 300m descent into the Wainui Valley, with a very steep uphill climb, to join the Inland Track further up the valley. Helen joined Peter on this diversion, while Diane and Raymond continued on the main track. We enjoyed having the hut to ourselves and the views of Awaroa Inlet before the rain and wind arrived. Rain continued through the night. The inland huts were in good condition, and it didn’t take long for the wood burners to drive out the winter chill.