Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Lava Lite

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Conor Keena

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 11

Gnarl Factor: 32

6.7km

410m

410m

395m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

25%
20%
35%
20%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

0:55

Moderate

0:38

Fast

NOTE: As at Jan 2020 the lower section of the Lava Flow Track has been rerouted a spur to the NW, it is obvious when going down but if approaching from the valley floor take the earlier bridge that connects the Hidden Valley Track and head up the new section. The old bit is still there, but is no longer maintained.

This is a short, sharp kick in the gut with some quick downhill for treat.
Warm up by running in the valley along the Bowenvale gravel track. About 1.3km in you'll cross a few small timber bridges. After the third bridge there will be a track going up to the left with sign saying 'Lava Flow Track'. Go up, and keep going up. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, if they're coming down this track they'll probably be moving at high speed. You'll arrive at the top of the ridge near the Summit Road with zero breath left in your lungs.
Start along the MTB east and cut down towards the Huntsbury gravel track. After 200m-300m on the Huntsbury Track, veer left down the zig-zag track. Zig-zag down to the Bowenvale Bonus MTB track. This a nicely graded, fast track, lovely place to pick up a bit of speed for a mile or so. Look out for mountain bikers coming up behind, and give way to them.
This track will bring you back in to the valley, with a short trot back to the car park.

Do the track in reverse for a hair-raising downhill on the Lava Flow.

A nice steep climb up ancient volcanic rock

There are a few parking spots regularly used by walkers / mountain bikers / runners. On-street parking should be available during busy periods.

7 km

16 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Perfect throughout.

Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Headtorch and spare batteries.

Usually none available

The single track can get quite slippy after rain, especially the lower halves of the Lava Flow and Bowenvale Bonus tracks.

Just keep an eye and ear out for mountain bikers, particularly going up the Lava Flow, because they'd have to be a bit mad and stupid to bike down that track.

Brickworks Bar
Centaurus Rd
Good food & drink

Trail Legend

BM

Brion Matthews

has completed Lava Lite once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Up to you whether you use the re-routed MTB track or the original route - either count for FKT and Challenge Pts purposes.

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Trail Reviews

One of the better technical climbs in the Port Hills.

Nelson Pearson

December 10, 2021

Great, fast run, even on the wet track. Bonus about running this in the winter is that the track is often closed to MTBikers so no worries there. I enjoyed the stipulated route as it made for a flowy downhill run.

Katie Ridley

August 6, 2021

The gorse has been pruned on the "old " section. Everything in mint condition, best I've seen it

Tony Sharpe

February 28, 2021

Nice quick loop in Bowenvale that gets right down to business! I took the 'old' (unmaintained) route up and it was a bit gorsey but not too bad overall. I am a beginning MTBer and WOW I cannot imagine going down the Lava track. Nice enough to go up on foot, though. There was a sign at the top of the Lava track indicating that it is shared use MTB/walkers but MTB have right of way. There are some blind corners so keep your wits about you...!

Matt Halverson

January 18, 2021

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