Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Ernie's loop
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19
Gnarl Factor: 30
15.0km
660m
660m
490m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19
Gnarl Factor: 30
15.0km
660m
660m
490m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.3%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
3:15
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
You can run the 15 k loop in either direction. Going clockwise gives you a nice easy 3.3 k relatively flat warm up on nice open gravel road through native bush and around the side of the dam. The anti clock wise direction takes you over the dam face and steadily uphill on Lilburne road for 4 k.
Whichever way you choose to do it, the single track is pure trail running goodness, although quite technical and root in places. You'll have steep uphills and downhills through native bush, but also pop out on some open grassy viewing points, overlooking the head waters of the dam. The track also passes through the remains of an old camp site (Ernie's campsite, that the track is named after) and Piggots hut. DOC orange triangles and track signs mark the way and are clearly visible from either direction, just so long as you are paying attention!
A nice section of gravel road that Water Care use as access roads. Not open to the public. These are at both ends of the loop. Nice to warm up on before you get into the native single track. Lots of Tui, Wood pigeon, Fan tail, Tom tits and if you listen really hard you may hear a Kokako.
Only way to get there is by private vehicle. Or if you are keen ride your MTB. The car park is well used by mountain bikers too and tourists. Cars parked there are generally safe but don't leave your valuables in your car just in case.
14 km
21 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
If running in anti-clockwise direction from the dam, you need to keep an eye out for the Ernie's Track on your right - aprox 3.3 km from the car park. Follow the DOC orange trail markers.
Patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Take your own water. 1.5L minimum recommended
The lower section of Ernie's does get muddy in the winter. But lots of fun to run over.
There is a period of 3 weeks during the year that contract hunters go and control the pests in the area. Check the Regional Park website for the dates that the tracks are closed to the public.
Autobahn
Bombay Service centre
http://www.autobahncafe.co.nz/
Great food and hot coffee. And it's not McDonald's.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Ernie's loop
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Defo worth a five-star review. This track has a bit of everything. Wide gravel trails, beautiful scenery, flat sections, OMFG steep sections, roots, mud, stairs, walkways, stream crossings and a nice big reservoir! The up up up up is rewarded with a nice downhill to finish. Imagine that it can get really gnarly in the winter as the tree roots and clay become even more slippery!
April 18, 2022
Loved this one, lots of mud and tree roots. Well worth the view! Went clockwise and enjoyed the reward of a few km running downhill on the gravel road after that climb.
August 15, 2021
What a great day out! A beautiful track with plenty of single trail. Great for a hot day as the majority is under cover and felt really cool! Very technical-lots of tree roots so be aware of where you place your feet. Also parts quite muddy, and this is Jan so wouldn’t like to see it in winter! Cool wee river to cross. Take note of the review before mine to look left as you come across it (if going clockwise). Don’t go straight over. We went clockwise to warm up on the “flatter” part first. Was a good call for our first time. The mountain in the middle is pretty epic! It goes straight up for a very long time! Great views from the top. Heard and saw a Kaka. Awesome! Along the track saw several other runners which was nice as otherwise it could feel a bit isolated. Bit if a drive from Auckland city/Shore but well worth it! Can’t wait to get back out there!
January 11, 2021
Was wet and slippery today! Lots more boardwalks and steps have been added since I ran this loop last, which does keep you out of some of the mud and bogs!Might be worth adding two points to the trail description:1. If you are running clockwise, when you hit the big stream (third? crossing), look left as you come down the bank and follow the trail here. You don't go straight ahead and over the stream when you first see it (I get this wrong every time!).2. It's 5km from Piggots Campsite to the base of the dam :-)
July 17, 2020
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.
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
