Whakaumu TrackBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by jim robinson
Beginner - Intermediate
2:00 (Slow)
1:30 (Moderate)
1:00 (Fast)
-13.1%
+13.1%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
This is an out-and-back on a track that volunteers are reopening. Eventually we hope for a through track, but please, DO NOT go through to Tirohanga Rd at the moment. The track is 140 years old, very well graded, twisting. There is good singletrack for 4km, then another 2km that is more technical with three small creek crossings. You are in forest the whole time, but get glimpses of views.
You can park at the signed area, as described above. Or for a long run, park at Waiaua church/marae, and run Gaskill and Taheke Rd (Block Access) first, then the track. This is a total of about 26km return.
THE TRACK IS RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD AS WE ARE OPENING IT FOR SHARED BIKE USE. BUT BUT BUT! ... THIS IS REAL BACKCOUNTRY. YOU MUST BE PREPARED. A PLB IS STRONGLY ADVISED (you can hire PLBs from $15 from Opotiki i-SITE).
email jim@motutrails.co.nz for info. Ask in Opotiki i-SITE for a general trail map.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Stunning forest (rimu, rata, puriri, beech, kanuka etc), massive nikau palms, numerous small waterfalls/streams, weka, NI robin
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Technical Single Track: 0%
Moderate Single Track: 50%
Easy Single Track: 50%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
Instructions from Opotiki are as follows. Drive east of Opotiki on SH35 for approx 10km. Turn right (s) onto Motu Rd. After about 1.5km you pass Waiaua marae/church on the left. Another 500m, on the right is Gaskill Rd. Turn down this for 800m, cross a bridge, and turn hard left. From here, there are signs to the track. Head 800m south, the road turns to gravel, then turn right onto Taheke Rd (Block Access). The road mostly climbs from here. A bit over 5km after hitting gravel, there is a small signed parking area. Park here, go through the forestry gate, and veer right. The track start is 250m or so after the parking area, and roughly 20km from Opotiki.
Parking area is only enough for about 6 cars. Safety has been OK for people working on the track.
Dogs are allowed on the track, people hunt there. However it is a kiwi/weka area, and there are birds like NI robin. Please ensure dogs are kiwi aversion trained.
The open part of the track is a council paper road and in DOC estate: Waiaua Scenic Reserve.
CAUTION: TAHEKE RD (BLOCK ACCESS RD) MAY HAVE FORESTRY TRAFFIC, EXCEPT SUNDAY. IT IS AN OPOTIKI COUNCIL ROAD, INCLUDING PAST THE GATE TO THE TRACK START: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BE THERE.19 km
23 minutes
Yes
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Once on Taheke Rd (Block Access) the only real place you can go wrong is from the forestry gate. It is signed, so keep your eyes open. About 50m past the gate, DO NOT go straight ahead or left, GO RIGHT.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Beautiful water from multiple streams.
The hills here catch the mist and drizzle. It's often mild/dry on the coast and several degrees cooler, and damp, on Whakaumu Track.
Some steep drop-offs to the side of the track. Care with stream crossings, though these are small. Just remember, you will quite likely see no-one else, be prepared.
Please, the track is being cleared by VOLUNTEERS on a mission. We have put in over 2500 hours so far. If you see a branch or nikau frond over the track, please toss it off, don't just run past! If you want to join a track work session, contact jim@motutrails.co.nz -
Post run indulgence
Hot Bread Shop
Opotiki
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
The Hot Bread Shop serves good food. They are open long hours. Most of all, they are official partners of Motu Trails Charitable Trust. That support helps us to do stuff like open up Whakaumu Track. Support them to support us!Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Tirohanga
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
Super nice place to stay, and, as above, official partners.Eastland Pacific Motel
Opotiki
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
Super nice place to stay, and, as above, official partners. Just over the road from the Hot Bread Shop... mmmmmmm - Blog Posts and Articles
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