Last Updated: 1st Mar 2024

Very Experienced

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I've done it Done

Waimak Col (Otira to Klondyke)

Arthurs Pass, Canterbury

Submitted by Mike Steel

Last Updated: 1st Mar 2024

Very Experienced

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 73 ?

Gnarl Factor: 79 ?

32.0km

1610m

1360m

1787m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Mountainous

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Other

Run Makeup

5%
5%
10%
40%
40%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

9:00

Moderate

6:00

Fast

Place a bike at the end of the gravel road at Klondyke corner and drive to near Otira. Head back up the road, and just before the bridge cross a locked gate and continue on a gravel railway service road to the train tunnel, then follow the slightly overgrown but scenic Rolleston river track (easiest to start following it on the northern side, but some crossings further upstream). When the valley first narrows with a gorge looming ahead of you keep an eye out for cairns and a prominent steep gully of broken rock descending from the left. Head up this gully till you spot an orange triangle marker leading you out of this gully. The track then climbs and sidles through scrub and then undulates through dense bush - be careful not to lose the track and don't descend to the Rolleston river until it's obviously time to do so). When you meet the river, continue on up-valley (if you stay in the river too long you will get into a gorge which is passable but tricky so you may want to climb out to the right before then). Further up, towards the head of the valley you will see two cols on the divide ahead of you - avoid the lower one on the left (it has a glacier on the other side which would be no fun at all in running shoes!). Head for the middle col which is the "Waimakariri Col" (1787m) as marked on the topomap (this is not the recommended tramping route, which goes further right/west but is likely to have snow on it). The middle col is steep and exposed but easy to climb (tend left as you head up on the firm rock). From the col it is possible to climb further westward on rock up to various high view points, or just chill out on the col and admire the views. It's fast going most of the rest of the way -- descend to the cute and well-positioned Waimakariri Falls hut (from the col follow cairns - initially heading out right then finding a good descent route down). It is worth checking out the waterfalls near the hut. Continue down through some impressive country on the true right of the river and eventually the track emerges from the bush and you cross the glacier-fed White River; from here you can make the slight detour to lob into Carrington Hut. Then it's a cruisy jaunt down the main Waimakariri River - mostly following trails on the true right, and crossing near Turkey Flat to the left to pick up the gravel road and find your bike.

An awesome and relatively remote summertime run from the rainforests of the west coast, over the main divide (Waimakariri Col), past tarns, alpine gardens, gorges, waterfalls and glaciated peaks, with a final romp down the expansive, braided Waimakariri River valley. A bike-ride gets you back to the car via Arthurs Pass with an exhilarating descent of the Otira gorge.

Park anywhere near or in Otira (turn side-mirrors in to avoid possible kea damage).

13 km

14 minutes

Unknown

No

Very hard.

Be careful to pick up the Rolleston River track where it first leaves the river. Also, when it arrives back at the river take note of where this is in case you need to turn back before the col (people going in the opposite direction have got lost after missing it). Higher up, ensure you can find the col to cross (e.g. if cloud comes in - a map and compass would be helpful). After the col, it's pretty straightforward. As a run, it's not a good idea to do it in reverse.

Non-existent.

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 blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map.

Plenty of water the whole way and at the various huts you will pass along the way.

Only really feasible as a run in summer-autumn, when the col is clear of snow (the south side particularly).

Don't attempt this run if the rivers are up (there are some rivers you have to cross - e.g. the fast-flowing White River tributary of the Waimak.).

You and Waimak Col (Otira to Klondyke)

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Trail Reviews

Great trip but you do need to be a competent navigator and experienced at navigating loose untracked and steep ground.Fantastic scenery and the description is accurate though I would add to stay out of the small gorge on the way down to the hut if you are not carrying a rope.All in all a great trip through some big country but it does require respect.

Fiona Stechmann

March 3, 2020

Another great Arthurs Pass outing with scenery that is just ridiculous. Really we did it in a fast-hiking style rather than jog.We were lucky to bump into a couple on the Rolleston River who were able to shuttle our car to Klondyke which made the end of day logistics oh so sweet.At quick hiking pace and w some breaks we easily made the col in 4hrs20. No snow (though we were prepared w ace and crampons, so almost disappointed. Put it down to some weight training :). Then 6hrs40min to klondyke.

Jean Jack

February 17, 2020

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