Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Roundabout Emma
Submitted by Isobel Stout
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 21
Gnarl Factor: 6
15.0km
125m
125m
660m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Isobel Stout
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 21
Gnarl Factor: 6
15.0km
125m
125m
660m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Open tussock/grasslands
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +1.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -2.4%
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2:15
Slow
1:40
Moderate
1:15
Fast
Starting at Hakatere Potts Rd turnoff the first 2 km is gravel road with a short detour to check out Roundabout Lake, this is sign posted by DOC.
Once at Lake Emma the trail becomes a 4WD track, it's obvious there are parallel tracks in places but DOC requests visitors stay on the trail marked with orange posts to help prevent more damage to delicate lake shore edges. This portion of trail ends at the Lake Emma hut, a structure that dates from 1860 but is no longer available for overnight use.
The mostly grassy single track carries on around Lake Emma and then heads cross country towards Lake Camp. There are a few boggy/soggy spots but these can be negotiated without too much difficulty if you don't want to get filthy! Arriving at Lake Camp there are toilets, head out to the Hakatere Potts Rd, turn right and it's about 3km back to the start, either on the road or the rougher road sides.
Important breeding grounds for water birds, magnificent views and an historic hut (1860).
There's plenty of room to pull off the road but no formal parking. No public transport.
28 km
23 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
The entire route is well marked with orange poles by DOC and is also used by mountain bikers.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
No potable water supply - take your own.
Like all high country areas the weather can change very fast. Typically summer is hot and dry up here and winter cold and icy.
Mountain bikers are meant to give way and tend to be riding this route anticlockwise so should be facing you.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Roundabout Emma
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A nice easy run around Lake Emma with a side trip to Roundabout Lake. Very scenic and very runnable, although the road part isn't amazing. Its worth parking at Lake Camp so you can swim at the end, especially on a hot day 😊
February 17, 2022
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