Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

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Roundabout Emma

Mt Somers Village, Canterbury

Submitted by Isobel Stout

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 21 ?

Gnarl Factor: 6 ?

15.0km

125m

125m

660m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

30%
25%
45%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +1.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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).

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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.

Trail Legend

Steve Anderson

Steve Anderson

has completed Roundabout Emma once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

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 😊

Laura Richards

February 17, 2022

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