Castle Rock Hut - Abel Tasman National Park

17-18 September 2022

Our entry to Abel Tasman National Park was via Canaan. The road to Canaan was a little rough but surprisingly driveable, post- the rain deluges of previous weeks.

Five of us walked in to Castle Rock Hut on Saturday. On the way, we enjoyed the views from the lookout rocks above Moa Park. Once at the hut we wiped down the mattresses and sleeping platforms, cleaned the surfaces of the kitchen area, seats and table. The windows and gutters were also cleaned. For comfort I recommend taking a cloth to cover the table as the surface is sticky.

With the cleaning done we walked to the Castle Rock on a ridge across from the hut. There were great views to Marahau from here. Four of us slept the night in the hut and one person chose to sleep under a fly. It was a clear starry night and a frosty morning.

Sunday morning Rob and Maria returned to Canaan and drove to Marahau and walked in to meet the other three who had walked on down via Holyoake Clearing.

At Marahau we enjoyed watching two fernbirds flying and hopping along in the bushes next to the track.

The track from Wainui Saddle to Castle Rock had recently been cleared but walking along the track good concentration is needed as slippery roots weave their way over the track for the majority of the way.

Those partaking were Maria (leader and scribe), Rob, Jamila, Jenny and Edward.