Roundabout Emma, Canterbury, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Roundabout Emma

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Last Updated: 11th Sep 2026

Beginner

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Grunt Factor: 21 ?

Gnarl Factor: 6 ?

15.0km

Length of run

125m

Total Ascent

125m

Total Descent

660m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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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 / Boardwalk

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +1.90%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.40%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:15

Slow

1:40

Moderate

1:15

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

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).

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Transport and parking:

There's plenty of room to pull off the road but no formal parking. No public transport.

Distance from Mt Somers Village:

28 km

Driving time from Mt Somers Village:

23 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

The entire route is well marked with orange poles by DOC and is also used by mountain bikers.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

No potable water supply - take your own.

Seasonality Issues:

Like all high country areas the weather can change very fast. Typically summer is hot and dry up here and winter cold and icy.

Hazards:

Mountain bikers are meant to give way and tend to be riding this route anticlockwise so should be facing you.

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

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Trail Legend

Juliet Downs

has completed Roundabout Emma once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Laura Richards

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