Last Updated: 18th Feb 2024

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White Pine Riot

Fairlie, Canterbury

Submitted by Matt Doherty

Last Updated: 18th Feb 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 51 ?

5.0km

170m

170m

340m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Run Makeup

25%
50%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

0.50:00

Slow

0.35:00

Moderate

0.25

Fast

White Pine Trail. Lovely little loop that has a few creek crossings, great short run for the beginner wanting to push it a bit. Described in a clockwise direction although either way is fine. The sign at the trail head says it's a 3.5 hour walk while on the info board it says 2 hours. Both generous even by DOC standards if not too wet.

From the info board with the entrance behind you head to the far end of the campground, look to your left & pick up the trail head at the sign.
First short climb is broad with stairs which quickly becomes a cruisy little singletrack from the top. Follow this, ignoring the junction on your right (this is the return of the loop section.) The track weaves it's way through native bush and isn't always immediately obvious after heavy leaf fall but is pretty straightforward to follow. The track winds its way around the hill gradually getting a bit narrower & more technical.

After the high point you descend to cross the creek 5? times, there are orange arrows on the crossings, on the final crossing you have to travel along the creek bed for a few meters before you get to the exit. Then a short sharp climb and you are back to the junction you passed earlier on the way in. Left here and a quick descent back to the start.

Remanants of old homestead.
Dog friendly DOC campground
There is a small network of walking & mtb trails a couple of kms away at Raincliff back down Middle Valley Rd towards Fairley. The Purple route was a bit overgrown (for a bike) in Jan2018 but well worth exploring for a couple of hours on the hoof (or bike)

Park at the camping/picnic area

21 km

26 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Very patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

While there is a tap in the campground the water does need boiling and often runs out.
If planning on camping here bring plenty of your own, the creek also goes underground in spots in dry weather.

Would be muddy after prolonged rain.

Trail Legend

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Anj de Beer

has completed White Pine Riot twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Loads of fun in a pretty wee spot. Slippery tree roots and some rubbly rocks will keep runners alert, bird song keeps us entertained.

Sharyn Price

December 5, 2022

Gotta love little forest loops like this, but so slippery during rain- especially the river crossings.

Mike McManaway

December 14, 2021

Excellent little loop!

Ico Schutte

July 16, 2021

This trail is tucked away in a great camping spot. Thick cool forest with lots of bird song. I think I counted 7 creek crossings on the return loop which I enjoyed. The DOC toilets at the start of the trail are the cleanest long drops I've seen and I was very happy to see them too!

John OConnell

December 3, 2020

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