Last Updated: 24th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Separation Point Loop

Takaka, Tasman

Submitted by Mal Law

Last Updated: 24th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 35 ?

Gnarl Factor: 29 ?

26.5km

1070m

1070m

390m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

75%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:30

Fast

From the car park take the Inland Track towards Whariwharangi Hut. This takes you pretty much into a well-graded 200m climb over about 2 kms. At the saddle continue straight on and enjoy the beautiful downhill to one of the nicest huts in the country, Whariwharangi (well worth a stop to take a look).

The trail follows the coast for a short way before climbing again to another low saddle. Here you turn left on to Separation Point Track and follow it all the way out to the spectacular headland that overlooks the Tasman Sea.

Back track a short way, then turn left to drop to Mutton Cove, then up and over to glorious Anapai Bay. Take to the beach here and follow it to the far end where you pick up the track towards Totaranui.

You now have another well-graded ascent and descent. At the bottom of the hill, ignore signs to Totaranui (unless you want a side trip) and instead turn right on to Gibbs Track. Over the next 3-4 kms this climbs 400m to just under Gibbs Hill before starting the rolling descent back to the first saddle and the junction with the Inland Track. Turn left and enjoy a final downhill blast to return to your car.

This trail includes the peak Gibbs Hill.

Separation Point is home to gannets and is a spectacular spot in its own right. The run includes some beautiful sections of bush and golden sand beaches. This is the relatively quiet, less travelled end of the world famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Plenty of parking with toilets, information board and a day shelter. Take the usual precautions with valuables.

25 km

34 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Well signposted for the most part but worth keeping an eye on the map and signs.

Very patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

The hut has drinking water but other than this there is little reliable water along the route. Worth carrying a couple of litres in a bladder or bottles.

This area of the country has a relatively mild climate and winter is much quieter on the trails than summer. That said it can get pretty muddy after heavy rain.

Nothing specific.

Trail Legend

Mike McManaway

Mike McManaway

has completed Separation Point Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

The best of the Totaranui loops I think. Doc has been applying mouth to mouth to the trails post flood! With some minor landscape changes along the beach sections if you want to keep your feet 100% dry then maybe avoid peak of high tide.

Mike McManaway

September 14, 2022

Great day out. All views and stunning beaches. Trails are very easy with gentle rolling hills. A bit of a slog up Gibbs Hill but well worth it at the top. A fantastic down hill run from the top of Gibbs Hill back to Wainui carpark with amazing views all the way down.

Tracy Elley

November 30, 2020

This is a great part of the Abel Tasman, slightly less people but still beautiful beaches. Gibbs section is hot and steep

Simon Parkes

April 27, 2020

I ran this starting at Totaranui where I was camping so was able to start with the big hike up Gibbs Hill for the fabulous views then enjoy the rest of the undulating course. I made sure to enjoy the journey and stop and enjoy the fabulous beaches it took me through. Great holiday run.

Rebecca Sunderland

January 12, 2020

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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