Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Whirinaki Long Loop

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Ben Alton

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 149 ?

Gnarl Factor: 59 ?

87.0km

Length of run

3825m

Total Ascent

3825m

Total Descent

1184m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.1%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

18:00

Moderate

14:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

This is a great adventure run to do with a couple of friends. Pack up that sleeping bag and pick a hut to stay the night, or go full beast mode and do it in a day.

At the trailhead, you run a short distance (less than 5k) before you make your first turn, head left to begin the loop in a clockwise direction. From here it’s simple, just follow the signs and the orange markers. At Rogers hut, you have another left turn to make, so that you head to Mangakahika Hut and then another left after Upper Whirinaki Hut. It would pay to print the maps or at least the DoC brochure. On the back part of the loop, from upper Te Hoe Hut, the track had a lot of tree fall and slips, this meant we had to cross the water many times and on occasion head straight down the stream until the track became clear again.

We tackled this loop over 2 days, staying at Upper Te Hoe Hut overnight (49km day one, 38km day two). There are 8 huts along the circuit, all have water and toilet facilities so you can avoid carrying too much water. You will see from the GPX file that we visited every hut on the loop, some huts are on or just off the track, the longest detour is 500m each way. We all took a sleeping bag, cooking gear, down jacket for the evening (we did the loop in August) and a survival blanket. We also had a Personal Locator Beacon, just in case.

DoC huts are spaced along the route, giving you access to drinking water, toilets and shelter.

Transport and parking:

Driving from Rotorua, it's about a 80 minute drive. Head south and turn for Murupara before Rainbow Mountain, at SH 38, contunue along 38 until Minginui Road on your right. Next you are looking for a crossroads, you need to go right here. If you get to a narrow bridge, you have gone too far.

Distance from Rotorua:

91 km

Driving time from Rotorua:

83 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

It is important to follow the orange track markers. Print the map or the brochure so you know which hut to head to. ViewRanger has the updated route from Upper Te Hoe hut, we have seen some older ordinance survey maps wich include the old track, which has been closed for some time.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters

Availability of Water:

Water is available at all 9 huts and the river water is clean. We carried 500ml bottle and refilled at every opportunity, in the summer or if you are a heavy sweater you might need 1 litre.

Seasonality Issues:

If there has been a lot of rain, this route would be difficult to travel due to the amount of times (30+) you need to cross water. We completed the route in August.

Hazards:

Slips, technical terrain and river crossings. There is also NZ stinging nettle, bush lawyer and ongaonga to watch out for. Orienteering gaiters would be great.

Murupara Store
Pine Drive, Murupara
The BEST "blood and guts" chips in the world (well, that's what we thought after our run). $3 for a big bag of chips with cheese, ketchup and mayonaise to replenish all those spent carbs. Also F&C, Pizza and ice cream and drinks.

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