Last Updated: 1st Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Gates Of The East

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Matt Doherty

Last Updated: 1st Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 19

Gnarl Factor: 35

14.0km

520m

520m

480m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

40%
60%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:40

Moderate

1:10

Fast

Captain Thomas & Greenwoods tracks, Greenwoods Farm Sumner. Someone posted that this is their favourite downhill, It wasn't in the guide, so here it is for everyone to enjoy.

A nice climb up to the Mt Pleasent trig overlooking Lyttleton and Diamond harbour. I've marked this as undulating small hills as I don't class hills as big until they hit 500m. Beginners out there should be aware that this is basically one long 460m climb:

From the roundabout at the start head over the stile then bridge over the creek onto Captain Thomas track. Follow this for 2.5km up to the Summit Rd (approx 2km up from the start take the right hand MTB track that goes above a small patch of bush.) At the road turn right and after 100m jump the stile on the left. Take the lower Greenwoods MTB track and wind you way up the hill on a nice flowing singletrack. When you come across a 4wd farm track turn left and head up a short distance to a gate. In front of the gate turn right and follow this signed MTB & walking track up over a couple of stiles to the trig at the top. Check out the views and return the way you came. Fantastic downhill that never fails to bring a smile, nice flowing berms, lots of rocky patches to keep you on your toes and for beginners to pratice some technical skills.

360 degree views of Banks Peninsular, harbour, Pegasus Bay and out to the Alps

Parking as described in start point description.
Purple bus route termination is at the end of Wakefield Ave. approx 600m from trail start

14 km

25 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Perfect throughout.

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

There is a water tap on a building in the horses field at the start/finish point

Clay based so can be muddy and slow after prolonged rain.

Keep an eye out for bikes. They have right of way on Greenwoods & the top section of Captain Thomas.

Trail Legend

DP

Diane Page

has completed Gates Of The East once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Really like the looong runnable uphill! The smooth flowy downhill is very meditative. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this one, given that it’s all MTB tracks.

Matt Halverson

September 16, 2021

Great workout for the legs and lungs on the up, great test of reactions and foot placement on the down. Possible to run the whole thing, just don't push too hard. Highly recommend!

Corey Woodward

September 4, 2020

Good solid climb that is pretty tunable the whole way but still a solid workout. Quite rocky in places. Great views. Can often be windy up the top.

Jeremy Wheeler

March 15, 2020

Faaaaast dry trails. Best done mid week when the bikes are fewer

Tony Sharpe

February 27, 2020

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