Tutaepatu Woodend Beach CircuitBeginner

Description

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.

Features of interest

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).

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 90%

Gravel Road: 10%

Route Data