Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Very Experienced

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I've done it Done

KKK (Klondyke - Kelly - Klondyke)

Arthurs Pass, Canterbury

Submitted by Alex Head

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Very Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 157 ?

Gnarl Factor: 84 ?

77.0km

3200m

3200m

1500m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

5%
2%
3%
30%
60%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

22:00

Moderate

16:00

Fast

A circumnavigation of the Arthurs pass range. The route starts and finishes at Klondyke corner. From Klondyke run up the braided Waimak valley past Carrington hut, up and over Harman Pass and down into the Taipo. After a rest and relax in the Julia Hut hot pools (don't take too long) climb steeply up Dry creek to gain the 1500m high saddle on Hunts ridge, sidle north and descend fast scree into Hunts creek. From here its a slow bush bash and boulder hop downstream to Hunts Creek hut and out Kellys creek to the highway. A short 3 km road run and then up and over the Deception to Goat pass. Don't get caught in the upper Deception on dark unless you are familiar with the route. FInal downhill leg along the Mingha, to return to the start.

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.

There is plenty of parking either side of the state highway at Klondyke corner

8 km

6 minutes

Unknown

No

Very hard.

The route is generally marked with DOC markers with the exception of the Dry Creek connection from the Taipo to Hunts Creek. Recommend to start early (we started at 4am) up the Waimak to ensure you can navigate safely up the Deception in daylight. We reached Goat Pass hut just on sunset.

Non-existent.

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

Lots of water. Even Dry Creek had a steady flow of clean drinking water. We took a single 750ml water bottle and this was more than adequate.

Summer. Long daylight hours recommended.

Rivers. Ensure river levels are safe and there is a good weather window.

Sheffield pie shop
Sheffield
N/A
The best pies around.

The Bealey hotel
Bealey
n/A
Awesome food and very close to Klondyke. The perfect spot to enjoy a beer and meal after, or before or the next day.

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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.

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