Last Updated: 2nd Jul 2024

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The Great OH Trail

Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Malcolm Law

Last Updated: 2nd Jul 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 18 ?

Gnarl Factor: 22 ?

14.0km

600m

600m

50m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

20%
80%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:45

Slow

2:00

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Starting at the northern end of Waihi Beach find the trail and follow it north keeping the coast to your right. It is well signposted the whole way and there's really nowhere that you can go wrong.

You will climb over one headland before dropping to the lovely Orokawa Bay. The trail here threads its way through pohutakawas at the back of the lovely golden sand beach.

Just after climbing out of Orokawa Bay you'll see a side track heading inland to the 30m high William Wright Falls. This is a worthwhile excursion that adds about 3kms of rough stuff and numerous stream crossings.

Continuing north the trail clings to the headlands and cliffs and has a spectacular open section where it crosses a creek. Just before reaching Homunga Bay there is another side trail that climbs steeply for a couple of kms through farmland to reach the end of Ngatiangata Road, east of Waihi township. You could add this is in as an extra or if you have more than one vehicle you could run the track one-way starting from this road end.

Homunga Bay and the beach there are stunning. Well worth taking some time out before turning on your heels and heading back the way you came.

Stunning coastline fringed with pohutakawa trees - it would be stunning to run when they are in flower - and beautiful golden sand beaches. One to take your time over, even pack a picnic and your togs.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Good safe parking

2 km

4 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Patchy.

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

No safe drinking water. Take your own.

Muddy in places after heavy rain.

Flat White Cafe
21 Shaw Road, Waihi Beach
http://www.flatwhitecafe.co.nz
Great setting, good food & coffee

Trail Legend

Raewyn Peters

Raewyn Peters

has completed The Great OH Trail 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Loved this! A lot of undulating trail but all runnable. I'd say it's more technical than the description describes. But don't let that put you off as it keeps the running vaired and fun.

Brad Rivers

December 8, 2023

Amazingly scenic, be prepared to stop often to take plenty of photos. Try hard not to get seduced into taking a swim in any of the beautiful spots along the way.

Anthony Sowerby

January 19, 2020

Awesome trail! Fantastic views, can't get lost, great variety underfoot, pine needles, bush, dirt, small rooty sections. Nicely undulating. Opens onto some beautiful beaches. The side trip to the waterfall was a highlight. Tip, don't follow the markers precisely, the track is overgrown and cutty grass cut my legs to pieces. Once you get to the creek, just follow the creek up. It's faster, more direct, and less blood spilled! Reminds me of the trail between Stony Bay and Fletchers Bay, but much more easily accessible.

Anna O'Brien

October 27, 2019

It's a great run, lots of variety and great views. Definitely need to bring your own water etc as it can get hot out there :-) I have run it both as part of the Nugget and as run with friends. Bring your phone or small camera if you like taking photos as well.

Rich Jebb

January 2, 2018

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Orokawa Bay & William Wright Falls

Orokawa Bay & William Wright Falls

Length: 9.0km

Level: Beginner

Waihi Beach to Ngatitangata Road - the Nugget run

Waihi Beach to Ngatitangata Road - the Nugget run

Length: 9.0km

Level: Intermediate

Other trails nearby
Waihi Beach Trig Track

Waihi Beach Trig Track

Length: 3.3km

Level: Beginner

Waihi Wandering

Waihi Wandering

Length: 8.5km

Level: Beginner

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