Last Updated: 4th Aug 2025
Mount Pukanui and Mount Tripp loop
Submitted by Martin Trvaj
Last Updated: 4th Aug 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 71 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
30.3km
1910m
1925m
Last Updated: 4th Aug 2025
Submitted by Martin Trvaj
Last Updated: 4th Aug 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 71 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
30.3km
1910m
1925m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
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8:00
Slow
6:00
Moderate
4
Fast
Start at the Rangitata Gorge car park. The first kilometer is a gravel road, then it continues on a 4WD track. After about 2.9 km, turn right. From here, the path is straightforward to the summit of Mount Pukanui. Along the way, you'll find several small tracks made by people and animals. Sometimes you’ll need to push through bush, so gaiters are useful. I recommend following the GPS.
From Mount Pukanui, there’s a beautiful ridge track leading to Brown Saddle. From there, follow the fence line up to Mount Tripp. The beginning is steep, but it gets easier. Return the same way to the saddle. From Brown Saddle, follow the orange poles back to the car park. There are several tracks, so check the route to make sure you're on the right one.
This trail includes the peaks Mount Pukanui and Mount Tripp.
nope
Big car park
7 km
25 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Carry GPS.
Patchy.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, 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, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
There’s a lot of stock along the route, so the water is not drinkable.
Wind, snow, mud.
Steep sections, routefinding, snow.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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