Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024
Riverhead Blast
Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
19.3km
425m
425m
153m
Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024
Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
19.3km
425m
425m
153m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.0%
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2:45
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:20
Fast
A fun, close-to-half-marathon course first mapped for Riverhead Rampage training purposes. This course features some good climbs and nearly 500m of vertical ascents, so it's good for beginner - intermediate runners.
Most of this run is on forestry roads (including a lot on the aptly named Foresty Road). Use the map, and GPS is a good idea. Be aware, Forestry Road discontinues and then rejoins several roads at several junctions. Again check the map before heading out.
No public transport option that I could find. Plenty of on-street parking outside Riverhead School.
7 km
8 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The most challenging part for navigation is the loop through the bush after leaving Carters Rd. If you do get lost, Ararimu Valley Rd is approx. 1.5 km north of where you leave the main track, and Carters Rd loops around approx. 300m west. The rest of the course essentially follows established forestry roads.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Compass, Map
None that I'm aware of, though there will likely be taps at Riverhead School (start/finish of course).
Can be very dry during summer months, and very slippery after heavy rain as the roads have clay beds. Due to the pine trees, it's not difficult to get under shelter, but be mindful if running during or after high winds
Riverhead is an active forest, so there may occasionally be vehicles on the roads.
Hallertau Brewery
1171 Coatesville-iverhead Highway
http://www.hallertau.co.nz
Some of the best beer in NZ, as well as exceptional food and coffee, and a kids play area. Can be a mission to get a group table, but well worth a try!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Riverhead Blast
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An adventure to be had for wild things wanting to test their navigation skills. Try to follow the GPS track for a challenge and allow extra time for figuring out trail entrances most of which are not obvious. Orienteering skills a bonus and GPS track needed for bush sections.
I didn't encounter any clear fell sections where scrambling was required near the start or finish. For the sections with straight GPS lines through the bush I found meandering bike trails that took me somewhat in the right direction to get to the right place. The mid section lollipop was most challenging and I did some bush bashing in this section. No running in the bush possible off the bike tracks but some what easy travel given it's a pine forest.
May 23, 2022
Nice run when you're off the gravel roads. As mentioned by Matt the start is through what now is clear fell so a bit of scrambling is required. I downloaded GPX and spent most of my time running around after my watch. Would be a hard run to replicate without that. Note that GPX points at end of run dont marry up to trails now (or at least didn't for me) so you may need to navigate last stretch on your own. Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2020
Great trail with lots of variation. A bit sticky and slippy in places after a month of rain in Auckland, but still lots of fun. The forest between the ridge line, near the start, and Long Bush Rd has been felled. I had to clamber through the milling debris for approx. 200m, but it wasn't difficult.
August 26, 2019
My favourite place to run, it has everything, hills, fun down hills, gravel, trails.....fantastic place to run
July 31, 2019
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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