Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Mt Tamahunga
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 79 ?
5.1km
420m
420m
442m
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 79 ?
5.1km
420m
420m
442m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.0%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This is quite a slog heading up, rewarded by the cruise back down to the car. You start at a nice spacious carpark with both DOC and Te Araroa signs to check out. Then its about 500m up through private farmland, you need to stay on the trail and try not to spook any farm animals that may be around, as this is a working farm and access to the trail is dependent on permission.
Once you reach the bush the trail is clear, but anything but easy. Plenty of tree roots (see pictures) and mud, even after reasonably fine weather, makes it a good testing climb. Just follow the ubiquitous orange triangles. Near the top you will see a sign (see pic), ignore the trail to the left and carry on up to the top. The top is signified by a grassy area with a clearing to the right with great views over Leigh and the coast. There is a good size platform as well, not sure what was there originally though. Once you have had a look around, taken a couple of pictures of the view and had a drink from your pack, turn around and head back to the car. The trail itself carries on all the way to Pakiri if you fancy a very long out and back or can con someone to pick you up at the other end. I will try to map the remainder of the run on future visits.
This trail includes the peak Tamahunga.
Part of the New Zealand-long Te Araroa Trail
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
There is a good off-road carpark with warnings not to leave valuables in your car.
6 km
7 minutes
No
No
Easy.
There is only the one turn off the trail which is covered in the trail description.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map
No water on trail
This trail could be extremely muddy in winter and/or after heavy rain.
The tree roots are a rolled ankle waiting to happen... especially on the downhill, so if you have dodgy ankles then be careful... maybe walk!
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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JE
Reiterate what everyone else said. Nice track, but not much is runnable. Best views to be had are about 500 m further on after the summit, clear day can see Pakiri and Goat Island. Also, its worth taking time to look around and listen to the amazing birdsong - some seriously talkable tuis!
April 23
Great for getting vert on the legs, and fun on the downhill, and but not very 'runnable' so don't count this as your LSD in a training plan. Think 'hike' on the up, and 'tree-root scramble' on the down. It was fairly dry in early December and a lovely cool run as you're in bush most of the time. A good adventure and great rewarding views at the top.
December 5, 2022
Steep track in places, alot of roots also. Not too runnable up, but good fun coming down. Nice view to Omaha at the top.
January 5, 2021
I've nicknamed it the "Tamahunga Tootsie Tangle" hahaha. Between the tree roots and the steepness there was no running up hill for me. Great training for the Routeburn though :) I climbed Tamahunga twice then carried on to Pakiri Beach.
February 24, 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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