Being a crossover tramp, I had planned to have at least 3 people in each party, which, at some stage, we did have. Then, some had to pull out for various reasons and I was close to cancelling the trip, as obviously the Inland track does not appear to be high on peoples' hit list. However, the forecast was glorious and Maaike and Kath keen as! I was happy to walk on my own, which allows more spontaneity and options to add bits. Kath and I swapped cars the night before which meant we could all leave Nelson at our preferred times.
I started walking from Wainui at 11am. Absolutely loved the first half of the day, sweeping views all across.
Wainui BayNice, thick bush after Pigeon Saddle to Awapoto Hut. The hut is on a clearing and felt like a sauna, warmed up by the sun all day, perfect location outside summer! Enjoyed a stunning sunset and sunrise!
Full moon from Awapoto hutI shared the hut with 2 people, who were the only humans I met on the whole track over 3 days - apart from Maaike and Kath of course!
As planned, we meet along the Evans Ridge on day 2 and shared a relaxed lunch break, surrounded by birds - not only weka! I have never seen that many robins. The Inland track is a bush track, mostly lacking views. But the bush is beautiful, with dragon leaf trees and NZ cedars.
Dracophyllium ForestThere are good view points from Moa Park and some rocky outcrops, e.g. Porter and Castle Rocks.
Moa Park
Kath at Porters rock The huts are cosy, well positioned and hardly used. The track is quite rough in places but easy to follow. On day 3, after Holyoake Clearing, I opted to take the long way out, via Anchorage, which added another 3 hrs or so. The sun was still shining, and I felt like a swim and a cook up at Akerston and Apple Tree Bay Camps. For me, that was a great way to finish. I enjoyed the ease of some Coastal Track after 3 days of much harder tramping, followed by a pizza at the Marahau Park Cafe. At Akerston, I bumped into some friends who had been counting the walkers they met during their half day track between Anchorage and Marahau: 207! I met 4 over 3 days, including Maaike and Kath :)
We all enjoyed the tramp. It's a good track if you enjoy varied bush, birds and solitude and are mentally prepared for few views on day 2.
Maaike and Kath did the track in the predicted times. They enjoyed a stop at the Abel Zanzoon Tasman Lookout near Pohara on the way home, and reflected on Tasman's visit to NZ and the connection to the Dutch people.
Stats: altitude gain 1980m, distance 42.5km
Participants: Astrid (leader and scribe), Maaike and Kath (both co-leaders).