Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Clan of the Cave Runner
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 66 ?
4.8km
190m
190m
191m
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 66 ?
4.8km
190m
190m
191m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Other
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.5%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Head accross the eastern side of Barnett Park and pick up the mown trail through the dog park to the foot of the hills about 0.5km in. Head up the Eastenders Track until you reach a junction. Don't let the signage put you off, this trail is in heavy local use, in fact your odds of having the track to yourself on a nice day are about zero.
At the junction take the obvious unofficial but well maintained sidle trail which will head you into the heart of the valley and eventually tops out at below the cave. Scramble up the old stairs to the cave, which affords impressive views and a seat to kick back on for a breather. Soak it in, this is one of the most unique spots on the whole Port Hills.
Return down the other side of the valley taking care to hop around the giant boulders that came down over a decade ago and add to the technical factor. Finish back out the other side of Barnett Park to complete the loop. Great fun little urban fringe micro adventure
Volcanic lava caves. Great views. Popular local route
Park up at Barnet Park. Decent size parking area
11 km
19 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Hard to go wrong, just don't miss the obvious turn off or else you'll end up doing the Barnett Bunker Buster out and back directory instead!
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
You can fill up at the carpark
Could be muddy and more technical after rain
Mind out for the boulders. Take care on the final approach to the cave
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Trail has been upgraded and the stairs to the cave have been replaced. Flash! Western side of the loop less maintanced but still plently of foot traffic keeping it real
October 13, 2023
Great little loop with good views higher up. I ran this after a lot of rain so it was more like hiking up a waterfall and then water skiing / sliding back down - great fun though. Would run again.
July 23, 2022
A grunty option for a 'short on time' loop. Equally fun to run in the opposite direction. As a caution, the western (return track as per this loop) can get quite overgrown at times - it's in great nick at the moment though!
February 9, 2022
Despite the beautiful spring conditions around me there was no spring in my step when I ran this so it was more of a hike than a run. The closed section of track is a bit sketchy in places and try not to think about what would happen if another shake hit while you're scrambling over the rocks that came down in the big one.
October 17, 2021
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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