Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Tutaepatu Woodend Beach Circuit
Submitted by Anne-Louise Robertson
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 10 ?
13.0km
130m
120m
10m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Anne-Louise Robertson
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 10 ?
13.0km
130m
120m
10m
Urban fringe
Loop
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +1.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -1.8%
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1:45
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1
Fast
This route can be run in either direction. For clockwise - Start at the car park and head out towards the Holiday park. Turn right into clearly marked trail signposted 'Tutaepatu Trail 5km to Waikuku Beach'.
Follow the gravel path which runs alongside the coastal forest. The path goes through regenerating bush - good views to left to mountains. There are several options along the way to cut to the right to access the beach if you want to shorten the loop. At around 3.5km go past the settling ponds and out onto country road. You can keep going to Waikuku along the road or cut into the beach earlier and run along the beach to the surf club. Wharepaku (toilets) are available here. Take photos of the beach and the ocean - it's beautiful.
Run back along the beach. The sand is firm at mid-low tide and makes for easy running. Watch out for horses as this is beach is used Harness Racing training. It's pretty neat to see. Extend along either end for a longer run.
Coastal flora and fauna. Nesting coastal birds depending on time of year. In little over two years, Tūtaepatu Lagoon, near Woodend has changed from a weed-choked waterway to an inspiring example of ecological restoration. More than 10,000 trees have been planted so far in this area and whitebait have once again been found in the waterway. Bird surveys also show a steady increase in species including the return of ruru (morepork), matuku (bittern) and korimako (bellbirds).
Well-used carpark just after the Holiday Camp.
9 km
10 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
No fresh water source visible. Wharepaku (toilets) have taps but are not recommended for drinking.
Wind and sunburn.
Beach used for training for Harness Racing - so you may encounter fast horses!
Old School Collective
Waikuku
https://www.osc.nz/
Great coffee and food. 'Bijou' shopping!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Tutaepatu Woodend Beach Circuit
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Gorgeous wee loop trail along the back of Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku beach. Well marked and easy to follow, timed my run so super low tide as I headed north to Waikuku , and the section back long the beach was dream- like, reflections surrounding me as I returned to woodend barefoot and in awe of the landscape around me, a lazy seal waved a flipper at me at pegasus. My heart soared as I observed the successful revegetation where the bush fire (caused by fireworks) damaged the wetland about 6 months ago. An inspiring trail super fun trail to head out to on a balmy North Canterbury evening
May 28, 2023
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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