Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2023

Beginner

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Te Moana short loop

Geraldine, Canterbury

Submitted by Michael Dickerson

Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 17 ?

Gnarl Factor: 13 ?

14.0km

655m

655m

849m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Run Makeup

35%
40%
25%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:50

Moderate

1:15

Fast

The route is not marked so it is a good idea to go with somebody who knows it or has a GPS device to follow the route.

The typical direction is heading out west along the gravel road following the river, for approximately 4km. You will cross a few fords on the way so enjoy the cool water. At approximately 4km (just after a right hairpin bend and in the middle of a left bend) you will veer off the road onto a jeep track, it is not marked so you will need to keep a lookout for this or use a GPS device. 

You will stay on this jeep/single track all the way to the top through pine forests with some beautiful views on a clear day. Once over the summit you will head down on a fairly steep old jeep track through the plantations until you get back to the river at where you initially started from. Beautiful spot to cool off tired legs. You will go through a farm gate (please close it) and take a left onto the gravel road back to your vehicle about 200m down the road. As an alternative, you can run the other way around which will entail a shorter but steeper initial climb. This may give you a longer enjoyable run down through the scenic area of the route.

The Te Moana Gorge is a beautiful spot with with a stunning waterfall. The waterfall is a bit off the track so you will have to go looking for it.

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.

No public transport, you will have to make your own way there. The route is a loop which returns to the parking area where there is ample space for vehicles.

22 km

28 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Good idea to take a navigation device if you don't know the area as it is not marked at all.

Other than the right turn off the gravel road at 4km, it is pretty easy to follow, but would still recommend a navigation device.

Very patchy.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

There is plenty of water on the route lower down.

Very muddy after a good rain and streams may be an issue on heavy rain.

Trail Legend

Jeremy  Edwards

Jeremy Edwards

has completed Te Moana short loop once in the last year.

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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

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Trail Reviews

Great wee Loop, rewarding views from the top, handy to have basic map reading and navigational skills especially if your new to the area and are starting out, easy to vear off track if your not sure of your location.

Steve Anderson

July 12, 2020

Good fun trail ! Easy and not technical. Just a little note, when going down after the summit (around 11.5k-12k) you arrive to an intersection with multiple trails, the trail to follow is one your right hand side, sharp 90 turn. Not very obvious when I did it with the vegetation.

Alan Coppin

May 2, 2020

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