Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Sentinel Rock Scramble

Katikati, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Will Prosor

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 73 ?

7.0km

420m

420m

538m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Run Makeup

20%
80%

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:40

Fast

Head up the track until you see the second turn on your left which you follow. On the right will be a steep access you will need to take, if you hit the giant Kauri tree you have gone too far.

Follow the markers on the trees, and keep your eyes on the roots as they can be foot hooks for sure. This run is a true uphill scramble, and will burn your legs and lungs going up. You reach a false summit, make sure to push to the real one for the full 360 degree views.

On the decent, it will be very technical running and grabbing trees as you go past is expected to get more control. When you hit the turn off at the bottom, turn right to see the Kauri tree detour. Look right to see second tree hidden above. Enjoy the final downhill blast to the car.

Stunning views, Kauri trees, and stunning bush.

Parking for maybe 10 cars max so could be tricky on busy weekends.

9 km

11 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

If you take the first left, you can still make the trail just in reverse.
Keep an eye on the markers, and ensure to go past the first false summit but NOT past the sign that indicates that the trail does not continue and cliffs are further along.

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Stream alongside at the start, other than that there is none.

Has indications that it could be muddy after a rain, and tree roots would become very slippery.

Watch your footing, trips and slips are very likely if you don't!
Careful on the top as it is a large landing, but cliff drops off the sides.

Trail Legend

Alex Slack

Alex Slack

has completed Sentinel Rock Scramble once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Absolutely stunning views - a rare sight when running in the kaimai ranges. A decent slog up hill and lots of fun running back down.

Zoe Van Mil Potaka

May 23, 2022

Bloody brilliant! Twisty, turny, tangled, technical goodness. Went up quick and came down again even quicker! 1 hour 35 moving time up and down. Superb trail.

Jonathon Hagger

April 26, 2022

Bloody awesome run - rooty, twisty, turny track, great climb followed by hopping around obstacles on the way down. Trail running at its’ finest (apart from the runner)!

Vikki Baker

June 13, 2021

Very enjoyable jaunt up the hill to a great viewing spot. Is pretty exposed at the turnaround point but otherwise entirely under the Kaimai canopy. The Kauri tree near the bottom is a magnificent sight to behold. I ran in perfect conditions and would suggest adding 10-15 mins on time to run (i.e fast 55mins, moderate 1hr 10mins and slow 1hr 40mins).

Anthony Sowerby

January 19, 2021

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