Kaitarakihi Waikato

The chains providing assistance for the final ascent of the Kaitarakihi Summit Track have been removed. Without them the final ascent is an extreme climb and should only be attempted by experienced trampers.

First three and a half km in are fine, generally up but with some short sharp downs. A few places where rhythm can be developed but definitely not a fast run. The last km to the summit is steep, very steep. Don't look down steep. Hands and knees steep. Fabulous views from the top. Descending that first stretch was pretty hairy - lot of bum-shuffling and some very careful foot placement down the rocky section. More suited to the genuine mountain goats than this average trail runner.