Canaan Wainui Loop

Sink holes - all water on Canaan Downs sinks underground and resurgences at Waikoropupu Springs, Takaka. First and last sections pass through the old Canaan Downs Station which is now a DOC reserve although sheep are still grazed here. Mid section is through Abel Tasman National Park past Wainui Hut and the Project Janzoon Bird reintroduction aviary.

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.

Transport and parking:

No public transport to carpark but plenty of parks and small DOC camp at start. Carp ark is safe.

Distance from Motueka:

33 km

Driving time from Motueka:

55 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

No

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Topo maps dont show the Canaan MTB tracks and the grass can get long and obscure the trail, though it is well marked with orange triangles. Take a topo map for in the National Park section and remember from Wainui saddle (or Pages Saddle as old maps refer) you are running a clockwise loop back to Wainui Saddle.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

You need to carry water for the section from Wainui Hut to Canaan Track as it is a long grunty climb to the Inland Track, then on a ridge for 6 slow kilometres. There is water just past the junction before the descent back down to Wainui saddle. There is no water (streams etc) for the last 7 kilometres as it all disappears underground, so carry water.

Seasonality Issues:

The Wainui River is uncrossable after heavy rain.Track is slippery as all hell if wet with heaps of tree roots on Inland Track section. It snows up here in winter.

Hazards:

Watch out for mountain bikers on track. It's not a hugely busy MTB park but keep an ear open. Beware the Wainui River during heavy rain. Take heaps of sunscreen mid-summer hot hot hot.

Woolshed Cafe
At start of Canaan road
awesome spot in a woolshed great views and good food drinks.