Spaniards RevengeBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by Nicole Jackson
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Open tussock/grasslands
Beginner - Intermediate
5:00 (Slow)
4:00 (Moderate)
3:00 (Fast)
-5.7%
+6.4%
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Description
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 .
Trail Community
Features of interest
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.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Easy Single Track: 30%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 70%
Route Data
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Access
This trail is in the Hakatere Conservation Area.
There are a couple start options. I started from Lake Camp area. There is an access gate directly across from the first entry point to Lake Camp camping area. The other option is to continue on to Lake Clearwater and loop the lake in either direction until you hit the track described.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
No
No
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Staying Safe
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!!!
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Post run indulgence
Mt Somers Shop
Mt. Somers
Pies, Ice-cream, chippies. -
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