Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Dash, Bash, Splash and Dash Harman Pass
Submitted by Ian Gilmour
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 77
Gnarl Factor: 53
51.9km
1280m
1827m
1321m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Ian Gilmour
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 77
Gnarl Factor: 53
51.9km
1280m
1827m
1321m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.0%
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Not suitable
Slow
11:00
Moderate
6:00
Fast
NOTE: this is just a brief description of a serious alpine undertaking that is not to be taken lightly. Suitable for strong, experienced mountain runners only and definitely NOT in anything but good weather!
Dash up the fast O'Malley Track to Carrington Hut. Bash up the untracked Taipoiti Gorge, over Harman Pass and down into the Taipo, picking up the path before Julia Hut. Splash in the hot springs near Julia Hut. Dash down the Taipo to Dillon's Homestead before picking up the 4WD track to SH73 between Wainihinihi and Jacksons.
There are some untracked sections without waratahs at various places up the Taipoiti and down the Taipo so you need to have your head screwed on with the nav. Main issues are to make sure you go up the Taipoiti (rather than up the White River) and down to the Taipo (rather than up to Whitehorn Pass).
Kea at Harman Pass, waterfalls and cliffs up the Taipoiti Gorge, hot spring near Julia Hut, blue duck in the Taipo.
Some parking at the both entrances.
10 km
9 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
There are some untracked sections without waratahs at various places up the Taipoiti and down the Taipo so you need to have your head screwed on with the nav. Main issues are to make sure you go up the Taipoiti (rather than up the White River) and down to the Taipo (rather than up to Whitehorn Pass).
Non-existent.
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, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
Plenty in the rivers that you run next to.
This is an alpine route over Harman Pass, so care needs to be taken in snowy conditions. Avalanche paths cross the track so be careful in Winter and Spring. Take care when the rivers are in flood.
River crossings, avalanches, untracked riverbed travel
Sheffield Pie Company
Sheffield
Best pies in Canterbury!
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Dash, Bash, Splash and Dash Harman Pass
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Was a great long day out in in late November. I drove to Klondyke the evening before and slept in the car at Klondyke before starting at first light. There was a bit of late snow hanging out at the top of Harman Pass, so be aware if doing early or late in the season. Did it solo and didn't see anyone else on the track so definitely bring a PLB and only do in good weather! Especially with the sections of untracked rock hopping up and down from Harman it can get hairy.
March 8, 2020
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