Abel Tasman Inland Track

• Marahau
• Walks & Hikes

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The Abel Tasman Inland Track is a 41km hike through the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park, spanning approximately 2-3 days in duration.

Whilst the inland track doesn’t offer the same coastal scenery as its more popular sister, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, it is popular with those looking for a quieter, more off-grid way to experience the national park.

The Abel Tasman Inland Track links Marahau to Wainui Bay via Pigeon Saddle on the Takaka – Tōtaranui road. The first section of the track from Marahau follows the path of the coastal track, before heading inland at Tinline Bay. From here, the track climbs steadily away from the coast, into regenerating and undisturbed forest alive with the chorus of tui and bellbirds.

A varied and diverse forest of manuka, beech, rimu, miro, cedar, nikau and mountain cabbage more than makes up for the lack of coastal scenery, although the odd outcrop along the track does take in the vistas of glistening ocean and golden sands that the national park is renowned for. Castle Rock, Porters Rock and Gibbs Hill are all notable favourites when it comes to scenic viewpoints.

In stark contrast to the low-lying path of the coastal track, it is a steep climb to Holyoake Clearing from Marahau or to Awapoto Hut from the north, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Once you’ve ascended the crest of the hill, you’ll stay relatively close to the 1000m mark for the remainder of the journey.

How to get there: You can access the Abel Tasman Inland Track from Marahau or from Canaan Road at the top of the Takaka Hill. You can also access the track from the northern end at the Wainui carpark, Pigeon Saddle or Tōtaranui.

Photo credits: (1-4) Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, (5) Giselle Purcelle.