Last Updated: 28th Apr 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Little Peel Loop

Geraldine, Canterbury

Submitted by Paul Forbes

Last Updated: 28th Apr 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 28 ?

Gnarl Factor: 73 ?

9.7km

1020m

1020m

1311m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
40%
50%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +24.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -19.2%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

3:30

Slow

2:30

Moderate

1:45

Fast

Starting at the carpark head up the gravel road until you reach the trailhead. Follow the signposted route for Emily Falls/South Ridge.

This track then winds its way along and down to the Rata Stream which you go along a bit and cross. Follow the track along and then up the South Ridge, which becomes a poled route and heads up the ridge to reach Little Peel.

Once at the hut, make sure you pop up to bag the trig, then continue on your way. Following the track along Deer Spur is a lot easier and is less technical - a chance to smash you quads if you feel inclined. Head down this trail all the way back. You will come out at the top of Lookout Road which is about 300m from the carpark.

This trail includes the peak Little Mount Peel/Huatekerekere.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Parking space available off the street. Information board and toilet present as well.

25 km

23 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

No water available

It gets very windy on top and topped with snow sometimes.

A little bit of rock clambering at the top of south ridge but nothing too serious.

The Green Man Cafe
Peel Forest
http://thegreenmanpeelforest.co.nz/
They sell coffee and ice cream, nuff said.

Trail Legend

Steve Anderson

Steve Anderson

has completed Little Peel Loop 3 times in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Little Peel Loop

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

The best way to do Little.... take the route less traveled and go up South Ridge.... You do find people that don't realise they are heading up the hard way... eeek!

Alice Brice

September 20, 2021

My Favourite Biggest Little Mountain!
I enjoy this approach to the summit challenging climb rewarded with magic views and a fun decent more commonly approached is up n down deer spur, I like the Loop.

Steve Anderson

November 14, 2020

I did this one balmy evening after work back in the days when I worked in Timaru, a great variant on the normal up and down route here. The south side is definitely a more rugged experience, but highly rewarding

Tony Sharpe

October 6, 2020

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Overlapping Trails

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.

Little Mount Peel

Little Mount Peel

Length: 10.0km

Level: Intermediate

Big Mt Peel

Big Mt Peel

Length: 23.7km

Level: Intermediate - Experienced

Peel Forest Tiki Tour

Peel Forest Tiki Tour

Length: 15.4km

Level: Intermediate

Other trails nearby
Two Thumb Track, Rangitata to Round Hill Ski-field.

Two Thumb Track, Rangitata to Round Hill Ski-field.

Length: 49.0km

Level: Experienced

Peel Forest Rounds

Peel Forest Rounds

Length: 4.3km

Level: Beginner

Te Moana short loop

Te Moana short loop

Length: 14.0km

Level: Beginner

The Giants of Geraldine

The Giants of Geraldine

Length: 5.2km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby