Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.8%
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1:40
Slow
1:20
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Starts with a downhill and follow the 4WD road a few hundred metres staying left to the start of the single track. Meanders slightly uphill through some stunning single track and a few bogs (especially so in winter) to the stream - look for koura and kokopu if its dusk - just after the second stream crossing there's a small cave to the right full of cave wetas (looks like an old mine shaft). Back on the trail it meanders along the stream side a few hundred metres before heading up to Cutty Grass track, turn left at the junction with Cutty Grass, follow this all the way to the end and veer right along the road avoiding many other options for tracks (lots of possible out and back extensions exist from here). Follow the road veering right to the signs that direct to you Anawhata Rd. Once back on the track (off the gravel) shortly after you'll need to keep your eyes firmly peeled for a little right hand unmarked track to the hut. Follow your nose to the hut, spin round and run back.
Great run on some technical single track with a bit of 4WD trail for speed. Cutty Grass has Kokako released so if you are super lucky you'll hear their call at dusk or dawn. You end up at the hut (locked) that Hunt for the Wilderpeople was filmed at. Wetas and glow-worms in a cave if you wish, great at night
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Never had any issues parking here day or night.
27 km
36 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Stream crossings but can get silted up after rain
Expect a lot of mud in winter in places - fun mud
Iti (formerly Takahe)
Titirangi
Good coffee and craft beer for post run goodness
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hunt For The Wilderpeople
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Queens Birthday Monday 5th June 2017 -headed out with a few clubbies from Blacksands Tri Club. Carpeting - 2- 3 cars can park at gate. ... boy we weren't expecting this type of trail after last weekends Cascade trail. The recent rain made it heaps of fun with lots of mud to navigate through around or by the return leg however we wanted to get through it.The Weta Cave brought on lots of laughs and a couple of screams.Note there were more than 2 streams to cross and more than a few mud bogs...but made it more interesting as you really had to watch your step and work the glutes. At the hut there is a better than normal long drop to use. Note: there was more horse than cutting grass encountered. Post run we headedback down Scenic Drive to Redwoods Cafe in Swanson.They make great brioche and coffee and for a public holiday - no surcharge. It took us over 2 hours and our runners were more at Intermediate level so gives you an idea of how tough it was under foot. Highly recommended for those who are getting into trail running but not on your own.
June 5, 2017