Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Dune Bugging

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12

Gnarl Factor: 50

10.0km

60m

60m

15m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Plantation/exotic forest

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

30%
30%
40%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +0.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -0.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

From the carpark pick up the trail into the dunes. This goes all the way to South Head at the Waimakariri Mouth. Sections of it are very sandy (being dunes and all) so expect your rate of travel to be slower and involve more effort than is normal.

The track winds its way through the dunes, occasionally popping up high enough for expansive ocean views, and affords pleasant vistas out across Brooklands Lagoon, where there used to be a whole suburb which sadly had to be abandoned due to the 2010 &11 earthquakes. As you get closer to the north end there's a bit more forest and you pop out on the South Bank of the Waimakariri River mouth - a very interesting area. Return on the same trail, or for a nice alternative head back along the beach. Its doable at any tide, but when its not close to high tide its better as the sand is firmer for fast running. Don't miss the carpark entrance if you return this way - if you reach a surf club you went too far!

Brook lands Lagoon, Waimakariri River mouth, Coastal dune habitats

Plenty of parking where the trail starts

16 km

24 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

If you lose the trail just head for the beach

Patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

BYO water- you can fill yup round the campground at the start too

No issues

Mind the tides on the coastal return

Trail Legend

KS

Keith Smith

has completed Dune Bugging once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

For where this is, it’s a wee gem. Got to say, I was definitely a ‘sand masochist’! Took a quick trip to burn off some Christmas calories whilst camping with the family at Spencer Park. Needless to say, the dunes out were soft, dry and hot (except a couple of wetland flooded sections to wet the feet). Kept thinking the return will be flatter, faster and easier… but the tide high, making for very soft, off camber, hard work. Loved it.

Billy Powell

December 28, 2022

This would make a wonderful horse ride. Much softer sand than the dune trails around Brighton. Definitely pick the tides right and cone back via beach unless you're a sand masochist!

Rebecca Sunderland

November 20, 2021

Ran this as a recovery run - my glutes/bum do not think it was a recovery run, but my feet loved the soft sand :) This is the second time I've run this bit of trail. I think it is a rarely-used gem -- hardly saw a soul both times. I am so used to the Port Hills so the big wetlands are a great change of scenery, and it's so good for the soul to run back along the beach. Love it.

Matt Halverson

May 9, 2021

Its a sand buffet, soft, firm, deep, wet - all your favorite types.
Took longer than i thought but it was enjoyable, missed the turnoff on the way back.

Callum Templeton

April 26, 2021

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