Clan of the Cave RunnerBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Open tussock/grasslandsVolcanicOther
Beginner - Intermediate
1:00 (Slow)
0:45 (Moderate)
0:30 (Fast)
-14.5%
+13.0%
Officially closed, though still well used by locals. Use your own discretion and risk.
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Description
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
Trail Community
Features of interest
Volcanic lava caves. Great views. Popular local route
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 60%
Moderate Single Track: 20%
Easy Single Track: 20%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each

Punk Rock Assault On Windsor Castle
Length: 12.00km

Barnett Bunker Buster
Length: 7.50km

Mt Pleasant Elevator
Length: 11.80km

Boulder Dash
Length: 21.50km
Photos:
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I did it!-
Access
Start and finish in Redcliffs at Barnett Park
Park up at Barnet Park. Decent size parking area
11 km
19 minutes
Yes
No
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Staying Safe
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
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Sponsor this trail
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