Urban fringe
Combo
Very hilly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.5%
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1:30
Slow
1:15
Moderate
1:00
Fast
This hills above Governors Bay provide a variety of options for those who love vert, and lots of it. This version provides a short sharp hitout with lots of views and a good gutbusting ascent up the Bush Rd Track. The first 3 km or so is the easiest, with a nice stretch along the Crater Rim Track over three lumps and bumps along to the carpark at the Sign of The Bellbird. You then want to head straight down the hill towards Lyttelton Harbour on Ella's track, which quickly links onto the Cass Ridge track. Follow all the way down until the track turns east onto O'Farrells Track. Sidle eastbound for a km or so looking of for the signpost indicating Bush Rd Track. This steep zigzagging ascent is your path all the way back up to the Crater Rim. Return to the start along the ridgeline tracks over Trig V for a little extra vert.
Great views. Patches of native bush. Historic Sign of the Bellbird
Room for a handful of cars at the start
11 km
23 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Tracks are pretty well signposted, there is some scope for wrong turnoffs so make sure you pick up the right directions.
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.
Fill up at home
Muddy after rain or in winter, have good grippy shoes
Watch out for the occasional patch of stinging nettle in the bush
Sign of the Kiwi
Dyers Pass
http://www.signofthekiwi.co.nz/
On the way home
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Governator 2 - Judgement Day
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A great loop! The first few kms are undulating so you get chance to warm up nicely (plus sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a run that doesn’t immediately start with a massive hill 😅). The climb up bush track is steep and narrow, I enjoyed exploring this track. Was glad to have the GPX file with me as there were a couple of different options/junctions at times. Amazing views as always, yet another run that makes me really appreciate where I live.
October 8, 2022
Loved the grassy downhill section, can pick up a decent bit of speed here and still a good challenge technically. The lower sections are so cool has a really remote feeling. Could maybe argue that's it's not the place for a solo evening mission in the dark but it was pretty exciting 😉 real steep uphill section but good training
September 22, 2021
Packs a lot into a short distance! Ran it in cloudy conditions today, and wow you really pop out at the top of Bush Rd all of a sudden. Trails in good nick for Ohinetahi ;)
August 1, 2021
Great short run packs in a lot of variety and amazing views. Some smooth trail running mixed with rocky technical hopping, downhill on grass flat trail, steep climb with lots of switch backs to get back to the top. Definitely one for a dry day for the steep climb back up.
September 24, 2020
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.