Description

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!

Features of interest

Brook lands Lagoon, Waimakariri River mouth, Coastal dune habitats

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 40%

Moderate Single Track: 30%

Easy Single Track: 30%

Route Data