Gibbs Hill Loop
A demanding 23 km northern loop over Gibbs Hill between Wainui and Tōtaranui.
Route overview
Climb clockwise from Wainui over Gibbs Hill, descend to Tōtaranui and return through the northern coastal corridor.
DOC recommends the clockwise direction because the climb from Wainui is gentler. The route combines a steep inland ridge with a long return and may be shared with mountain bikers during the permitted winter season.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Northern Abel Tasman National Park
- Distance
- 23 km loop
- Typical duration
- approximately 5 hours 30 minutes walking
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- null — not published
- Best season
- Dry, stable weather; shared-use biking season runs 1 May to 30 September
- Trail type
- Loop using track and road / Coast Track return
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No walking permit or park-entry fee; standard national-park rules apply.
Safety context
Start early, carry full-day supplies, expect steep slippery ground when wet and stay alert for bikes on shared-use sections. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Long duration, steep wet track, bike conflict, heat, endpoint confusion and limited mobile coverage.
Highlights
Gibbs Hill ridge, inland forest, coastal viewpoints, Tōtaranui and Wainui Inlet
Why find a buddy
Match by strong day-hiking pace, clockwise plan, shared-use awareness and conservative turnaround time.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.