Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Spaniards Revenge
Submitted by Nicole Jackson
Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 9 ?
30.0km
800m
800m
1292m
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Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Submitted by Nicole Jackson
Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 9 ?
30.0km
800m
800m
1292m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Open tussock/grasslands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -5.7%
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5:00
Slow
4:00
Moderate
3:00
Fast
If starting from Lake Camp area, cross the main road to access gate. It will take 5-10 mins to reach the bridge that crosses Lake Clearwater outlet. From here follow the 4 wheel drive tracks around the outside of the lake, there will be DOC signs directing you to either the Te Arora trail or LakeMystery Lake.
You will climb slightly to the first plateau and then more steeply to the second. Mystery Lake is a beautiful lake that you will come across in the first hour of your run. From here follow the marked trail to Potts Junction saddle directly above you. After a short jaunt along the top you will come across another DOC sign directing you to Boundary Creek Hut and from here it is a nice downhill run.
This route description includes the side trip to Boundary Hut and older style DOC in a beautiful spot. After this side trip just follow the 4WD out to the Buicks Bridge Car Park .
The Hakatere Conservation Area is, in my opinion, one of the most weed-free parks I have visited. Also great swimming in both Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater on a hot summer's day. Across the South Branch of the Ashburton River from Boundary Hut you will be looking directly at some of the Mt. Arrowsmith (42km) trail race terrain. If you get the chance to go up into the Hakatere in the winter on a clear day it is breathtaking.
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 are plenty of options for parking at both Lake Camp and Clearwater. During winter it is very quiet in this area, but I have never heard of any theft issues.
74 km
65 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
This trail is well marked and travelled, yet caution should be taken when crossing the saddle if the weather deteriorates.
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, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
There are 3 tarns that you can drink from before the saddle and Boundary Hut. I have found drinking from these sources safe.
This is the foothills to the southern alps and it can be cold on the tops at anytime of the years, windy also comes up almost every afternoon in this valley.
Just rocks that jump out at you on the flats and send you face first into the only Spaniard in the valley!!!
Mt Somers Shop
Mt. Somers
Pies, Ice-cream, chippies.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Spaniards Revenge
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A great day out! Mostly pretty flat with gentle ups and downs and a little hilly section in the middle, perfect if you're trying for a slightly longer run without too much elevation. Lovely to visit Mystery Lake & Boundary Creek Hut on the way!
February 13, 2022
Awesome trail, super runnable and you get some great views given there isn't heaps of elevation. I did it a week after a snow dump and there was still some snow on the saddle which was cool. The track from Boundary Hut is possibly harder running now after the June floods but only 5km of it is super wet and slippery at the moment :)
August 14, 2021
Beautiful, 100% runnable track. Great trail if you are looking to take a break from the technical tracks nearby. The views are stunning!
April 27, 2019
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