Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024
Okuti to Hilltop Amble
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
14.2km
765m
765m
647m
Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 29th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
14.2km
765m
765m
647m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
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3.00:00
Slow
2.15:00
Moderate
1:30
Fast
Park at the Okuti Valley Reserve park and then head off along the road for a hundred metres before ducking into the Okuti Reserve. All signposted from the carpark area. This is a short track thru some regenerating native bush. You pop out on a farm track and from here just follow the track and signs as you climb to the top. There are some boggy sections so be prepared to get wet feet. You climb to a saddle before a gentle descent down to the Akaroa - Christchurch Highway near the Hilltop Tavern. You could cross the road and have a wee feed before heading back down again the same way you came. Don't forget to stop and admire the views as you gallop back down the hill.
Awesome views of Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere (Waihora) and the coastline south.
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No Public Transport.
58 km
56 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
No water available.
Closed during lambing.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Okuti to Hilltop Amble
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KR
A very quiet trail, not a lot happening around these parts! Definitely one I would never have discovered without the trail directory. Mostly grassy sheep trails or grassy wide 4WD tracks. The bog was unavoidable. Some cows on the path at one stage too. Would have been great if the set trail took us up to French Hill which was within spitting distance. Wouldn't do it alone again, would be more fun with a running buddy.
July 15, 2021
Would not have guessed this route existed! Great bit of bush at the start with heaps of birds. It was low cloud (but also strangely hot) when I went so not much in the way of views. Did break above the clouds at the top to see valleys covered in clouds, with a teeny bit of hilltops peeking through. Would recommend you go on a nice day - if there’s no views it feels a bit silly to be running this random farm track out in the wopwops. It was very nice to have the track to myself though! Will have to come back again :)
February 27, 2021
Another hidden gem to discover thanks to Stephanie. Took it by its title and ambled up enjoying the bird song and bush at the start and the views around me for the rest of the way. Take heed of the gear list...headed out on a blue sky summers day and it changed very quickly with the clouds rushing over the top. The wood fired pizza at the hilltop tavern makes for a good pit stop at the turn around point!
February 6, 2020
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