Last Updated: 6th Nov 2023
Massey Uni Totara Forest River Loop
Submitted by Jason Cordier
Last Updated: 6th Nov 2023
Grunt Factor: 4
Gnarl Factor: 13
3.3km
70m
70m
50m
Last Updated: 6th Nov 2023
Submitted by Jason Cordier
Last Updated: 6th Nov 2023
Grunt Factor: 4
Gnarl Factor: 13
3.3km
70m
70m
50m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.9%
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0:30
Slow
0:20
Moderate
0:15
Fast
The loop can be run multiple times and is enjoyable. From the end of the top car park at Massey University follow the metal trail down to Bush Road. Cross the road and follow the footpath down Bush Rd until you reach a bridge at the bottom of the hill.
The entrance to the trail is across the road on the uphill side of the river. Be careful crossing the road as cars come flying down the hill. After following the trail along the river you will head up and over a hill. Once back down beside the river again you will come to a ford crossing over the river (three or four metre square concrete slabs crossing the river). Do not take that for this trail run. Rather, take the fork in the trail just before the ford heading up the hill (first time I missed this). Follow the trail along the river again here again until you exit the bush at a bridge. Turn right and follow the path up the hill, then forking right away from the road up a paved hill path. Follow the path into the back of Massey University, down a hill into the staff car park. Once on the Massey Road, head up the hill to the recreation centre to finish or repeat the loop.
Public transport is available to Massey University Albany. Free car parking is also available.
1 km
4 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
While you may lose you way, you can't get lost as taking a wrong turn will result in you landing back on a urban road again from which you can find your way back to Massey's east precinct. The only navigation issue is crossing the ford in error which will push you out into the very back of Massey's science campus.
Generally good.
Cellphone.
River water (unadvisable) along the trail. Best place would be tap water before commencing the loop in the recreation centre's changing rooms.
Muddy after rain, prone to flooding after long sustained heavy rains/storms.
Scholars Cafe next to the Massey University Recreation Centre
Massey University Albany
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Massey Uni Totara Forest River Loop
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Totally frustrating trail. Not only did I miss the start of the bush track and ran some on the wrong side of the river (this was my fault, but at the time is very easy to miss - there is no break in the roadside barrier to alert people of the track). The January storms have caused damage, and the track now consists of mostly completed boardwalk, and loads of stairs. The river crossing mentioned in the description is a must follow currently as the trail you are meant to follow is well and truly closed. You'll see glimpses of why when running down the other side of the stream! You can't even follow this trail when you reach Albany Highway - there is a giant Fletcher Living development site in the way. A new path has been created on the far side, but you will need to be roadside for a short while. Overall I would also estimate the single track vs sealed road/gravel road as 50% each currently. Running on the bush tracks where it was soft ground (maybe 3/4 of the 50% single track) was enjoyable, but for less than half of the trail, I am not so sure it was worth it!
November 4
Nice little run, features some road sections but the trail part is lovely!
July 5, 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.
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