Last Updated: 9th Mar 2024
Coastal Cliff Candy
Submitted by Corey Woodward
Last Updated: 9th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 34 ?
15.0km
445m
445m
52m
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Last Updated: 9th Mar 2024
Submitted by Corey Woodward
Last Updated: 9th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 34 ?
15.0km
445m
445m
52m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.2%
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3:30
Slow
2:40
Moderate
1:45
Fast
A truly awesome out and back adventure. Yes, there's some hill work but no mountains!
Starting from Hays/Charteris Bays, you make your way along the coast line, visiting various bays through to Purau Bay with opportunities to stop off and soak up the views, take a soak in the sea, or stop off at the Diamond Harbour Store for coffee or ice cream. All off-road, with some narrow track in places so mind your footing, some of the drop offs are decent. Quite a few upgrades have occurred recently with new steps making areas safer.
Great views of Lyttelton Harbour, volcanic geology, beaches, native bird life, this trail has it all.
Limited parking available on Marine Drive in the vicinity of the Charteris Bay Yacht Club, far better to continue up the road a bit and turn onto Black Point Road. Park on the roadside just past Te Wharau Lane. This private lane is also your beach/trail access but only resident's vehicles are allowed. Walk down the steep footpath.
2 km
2 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
There's only one dodgy turn on the return leg, which is easy to miss. If you get to the road (Purau Ave) head back down, you'll see the trail the second time.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
Quite a few residents have taps along the trail for watering native trees they may not mind you topping up, otherwise the Diamond Harbour Store is a great place to refuel.
The tracks could become very slippery after rain, please take care. The trail is very exposed to easterly winds off the sea. Be prepared to add/remove layers often.
As mentioned, the tracks would be slippery after rain and combined with some long drop offs extreme care should be taken. Sadly a local runner died recently in these very circumstances, you will see tributes left and you can see why new steps have been installed in this location.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Coastal Cliff Candy
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Awesome coastal trail and well worth the extra drive and compares favourably to the shorter, more popular Lyttelton coastal trail. A real solid work out with all that eleveation adding up and quite technical in places. Great sea views. The cafe is always worth a visit!
October 10, 2021
Wow - what a beautiful track! Great variety of trail scenery with open grassy areas, rocky outcrops, beaches, cliffs, streams and forest. Had no idea this was here - thanks trail directory!
July 18, 2021
So glad for the Trail Directory to help me discover runs like this one! It is surprisingly technical - I actually sprained an ankle on this one back in spring, had to come back for redemption today. It is also a bit of a grunt... the track is quite undulating so there are dozens of short sharp climbs. Great views and a few choice gardens along the way. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2021
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