Mt Fitzgerald & Mt Sinclair Intermediate
Submitted by Ian Pendle
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushOpen farmlandsOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
2:45 (Slow)
2:00 (Moderate)
1:30 (Fast)
-12.0%
+11.8%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
Summary: Climb up through Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and then along the tops on a well-marked 4WD track through bush and tussock along the "Double Fenceline" track to the summits of Mt Sinclair and Mt Fitzgerald. Return via the same route.
Starting at the Summit road entrance to the Montgomery Park reserve take the obvious DOC track which winds up steadily through forest and regenerating bush. There are good views of Akaroa from some sections of the well-worn track. The track eventually turns and climbs steeply up a gap in the bluffs, over boulders which can be very wet and slippery for a day or so after rain. It quickly reaches open tussock tops and an obvious 'Track' sign where you turn right to climb onto 'Rocky Peak' on a short piece of single track about 250 metres from initially reaching the tussock top.
From Rocky Peak drop down onto the obvious and well-marked (and poled) 4WD track and traverse across the tops passing through the Whatarangi and Mt Sinclair scenic reserves always following the 4WD track. (Note: a slight detour of the track is needed to reach the summit of Mt Sinclair at 844M - turn off main track at the highpoint on obvious track. Return back to 4WD track the same way).
Continuing NW along the 4WD track from Mt Sinclair eventually bring you to a saddle just before Mt Fitzgerald where a stile and choice of route soon presents itself. Either follow the poled route which traverses to the right of the obvious summit up steady a 4WD track - or be slightly more adventurous and take the more challenging direct route through the bush by climbing over the stile and follow the trail through the ancient bush where there are forest remnants of kahikatea, matai, and tÅtara.
Both routes lead to the summit eventually, where the views are grand in all directions.
Return via the same route back down to the start or you could continue onwards to Mt Herbert along the 'Te Ara PÄtaka Trail' to extend your options for a longer run along the tops. (Not described here).
Finally note that most of the 4WD track is in open country and is very exposed with very little water along the way - so take enough to last the run and be prepared for bad weather at any time of the year.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Lots of old totara remnants and a huge forked lowland tÅtara in Montgomery Park Reserve which is estimated to be 2,000 years old and measures 8.5 metres around its trunk.
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 10%
Easy Single Track: 10%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 80%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each
Photos:
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Access
Start of Montgomery Reserve Track / Summit Road Junction (about 300M from State Highway)
Buses available from Christchurch. Stopping at Hill Top Tavern - about 600Metres from start of run.
Limited parking on side of road. Enough for 3 or 4 cars max.19 km
21 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
Very scarce and limited. Take your own supply
Steep track over bluffs in Montgomery Park Reserve is up a small stream and could be very wet during or immediately after heavy rain.
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Post run indulgence
Hill Top Tavern
600 Metres from Start point on main State Highway
http://www.thehilltop.co.nz/
Very convenient Scenic location Sell beer. -
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