Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Kaniere Water Race
Submitted by Nicky Armstrong
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
9.5km
190m
85m
175m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Nicky Armstrong
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
9.5km
190m
85m
175m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Lakeside
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This run follows the historic Kaniere Water Race, originally used for gold sluicing and now part of a small hydro-electric power plant. The first part of the run follows relatively well-maintained single track with a few wooden staircases and bridges to keep things interesting. The last third has been recently upgraded to a wide, gravel track as part of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Way. This is also a nice out-and-back run, or can be linked up with the cycle way through Hurunui Jacks to make great loop.
Historic mining water race, still used for power generation. Nice views of Lake Kaniere at the end.
There are gravel car parks at both the start and end of the track both of which are quite safe. No public transport, but the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail passes them both.
11 km
12 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Survival blanket
The track follows the water race for almost it's entire length and the water quality is probably o.k., although I would prefer to take my own.
Probably a bit muddy after heavy rain, which does happen occasionally on the West Coast.
There can be a lot of cyclists, including families with small children, on the cycle trail, especially at weekends and school holidays.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Perfect trail to run on a hot day (only the first bit on the 4WD service road is exposed) as most is under shade from beautiful West Coast bush. Looked like something out of LOTR mixed with mining history.
December 13, 2022
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