Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Onawe Plug
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 7
Gnarl Factor: 11
6.0km
118m
118m
107m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 7
Gnarl Factor: 11
6.0km
118m
118m
107m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Coastal
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:25
Fast
Head towards the peninsula along Onawe Flat Road enjoying the magnificent views of the harbour and the amazing remnants of lava flows. After about 1.5kms you will veer slightly left off the road and through the parking area where you will see the sign for Onawe. If you are not a brave soul then follow the track down onto the beach and run along the beach to the track proper. If you are either brave or stupid then head up the narrow track and along the very narrow ridge and scramble down the other side. Please don't take children this way.
Once you're off the beach follow the mown track up the hill. At about the 2.7km mark there is a track that ducks off into the bush on your left. Follow this around and you will come out at the top where the Pa once stood. If you climb up onto the large rock there are awesome views of the harbour. Once you've admired the views then follow the single track around the knob and back down to join up with the main track and head back the way you came. There are a couple of old along the cliff face that have been closed since the earthquakes due to the risk of rockfall. Please respect this. You are on sacred land. This is a fun easy run that can be enjoyed by the whole family or a quick blat on your way too or from Akaroa or the surrounding bays.
Onawe Peninsula is the plug for Akaroa Volcano now jutting out into Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. It is a sacred/tapu Maori Site being the site of a Ngai Tahu Pa which was captured in 1832 by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngati Toa. It's history is fascinating. The Craft Station in the old railway station in Little River and the Duvauchelle Store have a booklet entitled "Walk with me to Onawe". It is well worth grapping a copy as it has details of the Pa and where they sourced water etc. You can find out more about the gruesome battle that took place here and claimed so many lives online. Please do not eat whilst out on the peninsula. You will find many fascinating volcanic rocks and features as well as amazing views of the harbour.
There is parking across the road from the hotel on the grass where there is a nice picnic table that you can enjoy after your run. Alternatively you can park in the Hotel car park and enjoy a cold one after your run.
18 km
22 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
None.
This is a low tide adventure. The peninsula is not accessible at high tide unless you have a snorkle.
Duvauchelle Hotel
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Onawe Plug
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Great out and back. Amazing views and interesting history too. Loved being able to go for a quick dip afterwards.
November 12, 2021
Great short loop of deep local significance. Every time I go to Akaroa, I’ve wanted to go on the Onawe peninsula... finally made it!
February 4, 2021
Sweet run - best to stay on track as directed by signs. Rocks can be slippy in high tide. Recommended and can be combined with a longer run on tracks around the headland.
January 13, 2021
Fabulous wee trail, history and a hill in one go. The loop part around the Pa may be closed as we came out behind a track closed sign and gates. Oops. Great views and geology aplenty for the rock hounds.
January 12, 2020
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