Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The Rameka to Pigeon Dance
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 48
32.0km
1400m
1200m
1020m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 48
32.0km
1400m
1200m
1020m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bush
Gravel Road
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.5%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
8:00
Slow
6:00
Moderate
4:00
Fast
Park your car at the bottom of the Rameka for easier logistics or shave an hour off the running time and park your car at the top car park up a good gravel road. Then follow the famous cycle track through the forest exiting onto Canaan Downs. Turn left and follow signs to Wainui Hut. Fill your water bottle in the Wanui river before the steep climb to 1020m and junction with track to Moa Park Hut. Turn left following signs to Awapoto Hut and Pigeon Saddle (where there is good phone reception to arrange a pickup).
Awapatoto hut is a couple of minutes detour but makes a good water stop before the final leg.
Watch out for downhill cyclists on the Rameka Track
Wainui Hut and the now disused Kaka aviary makes a nice half way break.
Good parking.
7 km
11 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Follow the Orange Doc signs all the way from upper car park.
Very patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
There is some water along the way but definitely fill up at Wanui River crossing after Wainui Hut and just before the steep hill climb. Awapoto hut has water too.
Muddy after rain.
Downhill cyclists on the Rameka Track
Toto's Cafe & Pizzeria
5 minutes drive from Pigeon Saddle towards Takaka
https://www.facebook.com/totoscafepizzeria/
Close so a useful place to wait if pickup is late.
Wholemeal Cafe
Takaka
https://wholemealcafe.co.nz/
fame
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Run the full route as described to qualify for a FKT
You and The Rameka to Pigeon Dance
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Ok first, I have never been on the Abel Tasman Inland Track before today. It’s a proper grunty tramping track, with steep undulations, somewhat overgrown, plus plenty of windfall and bush lawyer and hook grass. It is utterly unlike the Coastal Track. (You have been warned!)
I ran this route in reverse so started with a long slooow climb to the high point. Caught the tail end of sunrise at Awapoto Hut - gorgeous! The track becomes cruisy running fodder as soon as you diverge from the Inland Track and head towards Wainui River / Hut. Lovely running along the river. The Rameka Track is delightfully flowy and there were kea calling overhead, what a treat. Didn’t see a soul till the road, except for some trampers having brekkie at Awapoto.
If there’s foul weather, this is a great option, as you are sheltered by the bush almost the entire time except for the road.
March 20, 2022
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