Last Updated: 20th May 2025
Blow Hard and back
Submitted by Jen Harris
Last Updated: 20th May 2025
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
23.0km
1550m
1550m
1042m
Last Updated: 20th May 2025
Submitted by Jen Harris
Last Updated: 20th May 2025
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
23.0km
1550m
1550m
1042m
Front country - easily accessible
Combo
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.8%
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5:30
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
Leaving the end of Maori Reserve road, go through unlocked gate and start on the 4wd track heading uphill, this peters out to a bush track, after you leave the bush line at the top, go past first clearing and then you come to the DOC sign, take the Bypass track to the left, continue down hill (mostly), take the track to the right, cross the bridge, the next track to the right (another foot bridge) onto the Mt Richardson track, then its a steady slog to the top, take the required photo at the top then continue on the track back towards the Blowhard. There are some steep shingly parts on the Blowhard track.
The Blowhard Track is sometimes used by horse riders, mountain bikers, trampers and the odd dirt bike. Mt Richardson track won't have any dirtbikes or horses.
This trail includes the peak Mount Richardson.
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.
Limited parking on grass outside Birch Hill Camp at start of the track. There are no toilets
20 km
18 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There is no water on the Blowhard Track. There are a couple of streams at the bottom of the Mt Richardson Track. Suggest you take enough water with you for drinking
Can get windy on the ridges, track will be slippery on the steep sections after rain
Listen out for dirt bikes and keep off the track to allow them to pass. I've done the Blowhard many times and only seen dirt bikes twice.
Sheffield Pies
Oxford
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Did this today from Glentui as the Māori Reserve entrance had a trail closed notice. Lots of bog but a good grunty day out. Got caught a little short on water as you usual come across plenty streams around these hills.
September 25, 2022
KB
Wow what a great track. Definitely more hiking than running and very glad I had my poles. Had a stunning day for it so the views were amazing. There are a couple of creeks to fill bottles which I was very glad about with the 26 degree heat. Feeling a sense of achievement for sure!
March 29, 2021
It is a bit grunty. I was glad I brought poles as there was a fair bit of hiking rather than running. Nice views at the top though! Neat to see Lees Valley opening up below you.
November 28, 2020
I would rate this as an intermediate + levelTwo big climbs ,two steep downs Take plenty to drink,it's definitely worth a challenge and you will know how fit you are
July 5, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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