Last Updated: 21st Dec 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

The Rameka to Pigeon Dance

Takaka, Tasman

Submitted by Mike McManaway

Last Updated: 21st Dec 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 55 ?

Gnarl Factor: 48 ?

32.0km

1400m

1200m

1020m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Very hilly

Native bush

Run Makeup

30%
35%
35%

Gravel Road

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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.

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.

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

Mark De Goldi

Mark De Goldi

has completed The Rameka to Pigeon Dance once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Run the full route as described to qualify for a FKT

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Trail Reviews

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.

Matt Halverson

March 20, 2022

https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/golden-opportunity/

Mike McManaway

July 23, 2021

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