The 14.1 km track between Mason Bay and Freshwater Landing is easy, with a power boat ride connecting the landing to Oban. This saves about 5 to 6 hours of hiking. Starting from Mason Bay, it is a one-kilometre walk through the dunes to the Mason Bay Hut (DOC). Next is a walk through a failed attempt to establish a sheep farm, with old fences, pasture, a shearing shed, and the Island Hill Homestead (a living museum).
This is followed by a short wetland boardwalk, with views of the extensive dunes behind the Mason Bay beach. Next is a 4 km section alongside the Scott Burn Stream. This is prone to flooding in heavy rain, and you should not proceed if the water is above the flood indicator marks at either end of this section.
The track then runs through mānuka shrubland in the presence of korimako (bellbird), miromiro (tomtit) and toutouwai (Stewart Island Robin). There are also DOC huts at Mason Bay and Freshwater Landing for overnight stays.
