Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

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

Geraldine, Canterbury

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Experienced

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Grunt Factor: 104

Gnarl Factor: 82

49.0km

Length of run

2320m

Total Ascent

1940m

Total Descent

1900m

Highest point

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

75%

20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

10:30

Moderate

07:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Follow Bush Stream to the Crooked Spur Hut (2hrs, 10km). There are multiple river crossings.

Care needs to be taken at Sawtooth Bluff, 5km from carpark. There are markers on the true right to a high water route.

The Hut is high up on a spur, 10km from the carpark. A poled route over a 1500m saddle to the Stone Hut (2hrs, 10km) and then onto the Royal hut (1hr, 6km).

The route then climbs steeply to Stag Saddle (2hrs, 4km) 1925m. There is cell phone coverage here.

It is possible in clear weather, to descend towards the ski-field via the ridge on your right. A poor weather option is in the valley poled route. A steep climb from Camp stream Hut up to Round Hill ski road (20km, 3hrs).

Classic Musterers Huts, Stag saddle (1900m) is the highest point on the Te Araroa Trail. Great views of Lake Tekapo.

Transport and parking:

Access to the carpark is at the end of Rangitata Gorge Road. Not much traffic on your way out, you will need to arrange transport from each end of the run.

Distance from Geraldine:

74 km

Driving time from Geraldine:

1:15:00 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Hard.

Navigation Tips:

Generally well poled except Bush Stream and Ridge-decent off Stag saddle.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.

Availability of Water:

There is good water available following streams on route except over Stag saddle.

Seasonality Issues:

Summer and Autumn best.

Hazards:

There are high river levels in spring due to snow thaw.

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