Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
North New Brighton Spit
Submitted by James Stewart
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 7 ?
23.4km
150m
150m
12m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by James Stewart
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 7 ?
23.4km
150m
150m
12m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Plantation/exotic forest
Coastal
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
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3:30
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Start at Broad Park/ Waimairi SLC and follow the trail north through the park. Pretty soon you'll plunge into the edge of the Bottle Lake pine forest. Continue north on the Southern Pegasus Bay Track and after about 7km you'll reach Spencer Park, either cut in to run through it or keep heading north to skirt around it.
You'll exit the forest and have 3km on undulating sand dunes as you work your way up the spit. Glimpses of the Brooklands Lagoon to your left and north New Brighton beach / Peg Bay to your left. Your last 1500m will plunge you back into forest, taking you all the way to the top of the spit and the mouth of the mighty Waimakariri River.
From here, either turn round and head back the way you came or head towards the ocean and grind the 11/12km back along the beach.
Pegasus Bay / Pacific Ocean
Brooklands Lagoon
Bottle Lake Forest
Broad Park
11 km
21 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Simply stick to the trail and head north until you hit the Waimak river, then head back.
Generally good.
Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
At SLCs along the way or at Spencer Park
Nil
North Beach Coffee Shed
North Beach Surf Life Saving Club
https://www.facebook.com/North-Beach-Coffee-Shed-809423485814026/
Epic ice chocolates and premium espresso
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and North New Brighton Spit
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The southern half of this run was uninspiring - not worth driving across town for, but would run it all the time if I was local. The northern half on the spit was quite pretty, would definitely run that portion again! Love the wetlands as they remind me of my hometown (duck hunting country in central California). Didnt see a soul on the entire spit. Spent a few minutes at the end to watch the waves where the river meets the sea. There was some rubbish about, and some 4WD fishermen on the other side of the river. Good pro tip from Emily to bring headphones - I never usually run with them but highly appreciated them on this one.
August 2, 2020
The so-called "walkway" north of Spencer Park surf club and by the Lagoon to the Waimak is mostly on soft sand dunes - a true test of the glutes to keep any kind of pace going on this stuff. The Waimak river mouth is popular with 4WDers. The prevailing wind is nor-east so you'll usually get a great tail wind heading back along the beach (and I recommend making timing it so the tide is out unless you want an extra workout). If you like to meditate while running, this section is bliss! If not, it might pay to bring music. It's easy to extend this run by starting further south, at the Pier or at South New Brighton surf club.
January 18, 2020
Can get a bit boring with long stretches of beach and trees with little view
December 30, 2019
Nice bit of resistance training in the sand and surf. Great for injury rehab
April 17, 2018
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.
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