When you say Mt Evans, highest peak in Abel Tasman National Park it sounds impressive. In reality its a bit of an off track adventure/bush bash with a huge quartz reef and minimal views. But don’t let that put you off – there’s something really satisfying about going off track and of course bagging the highest peak in a national park.
The walk starts at the Canaan Downs car park which is hugely popular for its track to Howard’s Hole. Instead of heading into the bush you meander your way in the opposite direction through farm land slowly making your way up to the native bush cover ridge heading up to Mt Evans. Once in the native bush its a matter of staying on the crest of the ridge and using as many game trails to avoid the denser areas of bush.
If you’re wanting an easy journey find a topo map and launch into the bush where the grassland cuts the deepest corner into the native bush (don’t sidle around the grass covered hill in front of Mt Evans). As you make your way up the bush changes to more stunted and moss covered beech trees. At the top you’ll find a massive quartz reef – the best place to climb up is pretty obvious and looks a lot easier than the other options.
Keep an eye out for giant powelliphanta snails in the bush.
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