Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Kaikoura Cracker
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11
Gnarl Factor: 48
8.0km
120m
120m
80m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11
Gnarl Factor: 48
8.0km
120m
120m
80m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.4%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
This short run packs some punchy scenery: seals, seagulls, surf, a short tunnel, an optional cave, a climb onto a `whales back, and panoramic views of mountains and ocean. Best at low tide. Starts and ends at the Kaikoura peninsula car park, but it may be wise to warm up by starting further back at Jimmy Armers swimming beach, or the Pier Hotel, thereby allowing a cool-off swim or liquid refreshment on your return.From the car park drop down onto the rocks and start a joyous romp around the coast line picking up faint trails past the raucous seabird colony, before passing between the rhino horns (youll recognise that when you see it) then on to run up the steep western edge of whales back small outcrop hill, for outstanding views on the narrow top -- running back down is a nice test of balance!
Carry on south on the more remote section towards aptly named sharks tooth which is the far south point on the peninsula. En route youll pass a cave (hidden in bush against a rock wall hard to locate) and pass by another excellent airy viewpoint (10 metres east up from a low saddle well worth the detour). You can also pass through a small tunnel (watch for seals!). As you get closer to sharks tooth theres likely to be more seals be careful you may run past them before they notice you, but if not, treat them with care and respect (i.e. be prepared to stop and walk gently around them).
Rounding sharks tooth head directly around to South Bay on a wide easily runable rock shelf. This brings you to the start of the official walkway, which starts with an elevated wide track that leads back around the bay before climbing up onto the top of the peninsula. Follow this fast undulating track along the tops (with great views of the Kaikoura mountains and sea) back to the start.
'
Seals, seagulls, surf and ships!
Plenty of parking
5 km
8 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
No water on route
Best at low tide (don't try this at high tide).
Seafood Caravan
Jimmy Armers beach
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Restaurant_Review-g255374-d2083994-Reviews-Kaikoura_Seafood_BBQ_Kiosk-Kaikoura_Canterbury_Region_South_Island.html
Excellent bar-b-que seafood at a good price by Kaikoura locals.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Absolutely fabulous trail! I recommend starting and finishing at South Bay as there tends to be more carparking available. I also had to tentatively pick my way through nesting gulls to avoid a group of seals.
February 6, 2023
Gorgeous run I did at sunrise. Plenty of seals (a couple of standoffs) and lots of boisterous gulls to contend with. I did feel bad at one point having to go through a nesting site by the cave as there was no way round, so if doing this in summer you might want to avoid the bays. Low tide was a good tip too.
January 14, 2023
Short and sweet, wow! Great variety of wildlife, landscape, and terrain set against a gorgeous alpine backdrop. Punches well above its weight. Do this run!!
November 14, 2021
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