Freshwater Landing to Mason Bay

The track to Mason Bay begins at the Freshwater Landing near Freshwater Hut and heads inland directly through a tussock wetland. Freshwater Hut It is well marked and is easy to follow due to the mānuka shrubland that lines either side. In this area it is likely that you will see a wide variety of bird species such as bellbird/korimako, tomtit/miromiro and the Stewart Island Robin/toutouwai. After about 3 km, the mānuka shrubland becomes thicker and the track begins to follow the swiftly flowing Scott Burn Stream. During heavy rain, this 4 km section of the track is prone to flooding and at either end of this section there are flood signs with an orange marker located 20 cm above the base of the post. If the water is above the orange flood marker it is crucial that trampers do not proceed, as sections of this stream are prone to erosion and this will be not visible in flood waters. Instead, turn back and return the way you came. Leaving the mānuka shrubland behind, the track begins to open up and starts to follow a short boardwalk through a wetland area. Here you begin to get your first glimpses of the extensive sand dunes that Mason Bay is so well known for. Nearing Mason Bay, the track passes through old fences, areas of pasture and leads you to past historical relics such as the shearing shed and Island Hill Homestead. After passing the Homestead, Mason Bay Hut is located 15 minutes further down the track. Mason Bay Hut