Rocking GibraltarBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushOpen farmlandsOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/topsVolcanic
Beginner - Intermediate
1:00 (Slow)
0:45 (Moderate)
0:30 (Fast)
-13.0%
+13.6%
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Description
This is a neat little loop to explore in a lesser known but really sweet part of the Port Hills network. Great to combine with routes involving the western end of the Crater Rim Trail.
Head out from the carpark down the obvious trail. A quick zig and a zag will have you at the junction for climbing Gibraltar Rock - a compulsory diversion for stunning views. A bit scrambly near the top, but nothing technical. Once you've soaked that up head back and descend steadily down Prendergasts Track. This is an awesome flowing descent which will connect you with the bottom of Kirks Track.
Kirk is your route all the way back up, it seems to have more up than you came down but thats just an illusion. 1005 runnable and great on the calves as you climb back up to the Summit Road. There's an optional extra part way along to link Nelsons track to the waterfall and shoot up Rhodes Track - up to you! Once back at the Summit Road your car is a couple of hundred metres to the east, although if you want some icing on the cake the quick additional ascent of Coopers Knob is highly worth it for the views on the highest Port Hills trig station.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Gibraltar Rock scramble. Native forest reserve. Coopers Knob Trig (optional)
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 30%
Moderate Single Track: 50%
Easy Single Track: 18%
Sealed Road: 2%
Route Data
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Access
Park up in the designated Gibraltar Rock carpark
You'll need a car to get to the trailhead, no public transport unless you link it with other runs - more than feasible!
18 km
35 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Take a photo of the map near the start
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
BYO. There is a natural spring made into a water source back down the road a bit.
Can get muddy in the wet
Take car on Gibraltar Rock
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