Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Mt William Wacky Walkway
Mt William Walkway
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
8.7km
540m
540m
382m
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Mt William Walkway
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
8.7km
540m
540m
382m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.0%
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1:45
Slow
1:10
Moderate
0:50
Fast
The route is mostly easy to follow. It is marked the entire way, so keep an eye out for markers once on the farmland section, however the tracks seem to be well developed. Start from the car park, crossing a stile and making your way up a metal path towards the bush-line. You will then move on to a grass track as you approach the bush. There are signs along the way, so you essentially can not get lost.
Once in the bush you will do about 300 vertical meters of uphill trail running. If it rains there can be big sections of mud, so use trail shoes or risk sliding around a bit. You will then clear the bush and enter farmland. Cross the stile and head up the track where you will see a fork. This is where the path continues straight, or you take a right hand turn up the hill. Take the right turn and follow the track up to the higher fence line, then follow the path to the trig station that will become apparent.
Once at the trig station (2.2km to this point), take in the view and then follow the path down the hill (you can really open up here to practice your full speed downhill running technique) and then up the other side again following the markers and the path through rolling farmland. You are heading to another trig station, but the large communication towers are far easier to see than the next trig station that is just beyond the towers. There are a number of stiles and gates as you progress back up to the second trig station.
Once at the station you are at the halfway mark and return via the same route. Many segments here make awesome downhill running as well, so pay attention to not fly past your turnoffs. It is easy to get lost in the joy of opening up. The downhill running back on the track is also very enjoyable, and I am sure you will love that too!
This trail includes the peak Mount William.
The variation between the native bush and the farmland is really nice, as well as the view gained from the elevation. The downhill running segments on this run are an utter joy, as you can really open up to full stride.
The trail starts from the car park, and is very easy to find. There is a stile that marks the beginning of the trail, with a shoe cleaning station for the prevention of Kauri Dieback. This can not be missed.
13 km
13 minutes
No
No
Easy.
You can't really go wrong other than the fork in the path after 100m after clearing the bush line. Take the right path heading up as opposed to going straight (when id doubt, climb higher).
Generally good.
Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Cellphone, Map
There is no access to water. I would advise carrying some.
Access in lambing season is restricted around the farmland parts of the trail.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Really enjoyed this trail, nice mix of bush, hill climbs and good views. Had no idea it was there, cant believe have driven past for years and never noticed the sign. Will definitely do again.
April 21, 2021
Track upgrade has meant that the whole bush section has a perfectly runnable track with no muddy bits and has been fully gravelled with stairs so no roots or trip hazards. Loved being out there today
March 7, 2021
Love this track! Have always only done to the first trig so finally done the full version to tick it off. Heading to the second trig might have you confused as you can not see it. you need to go past the two water tanks (through them) and you will see the white frame around the 'trig' but the trig is a small white bit on the ground. The first trig has been changed to when I last done this track to a smaller new one so I assume the second one was once a proper trig and visible. The bush section is already muddy and we haven't hit winter properly yet! Hills, hills and more hills.
June 7, 2020
I started this run from a different location, being new to NZ, I got a little lost on the at there. Great run, and I am sure the views would be wonderful on a better day!
March 23, 2020
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