Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The White Horse Bites!
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 21 ?
11.5km
670m
660m
412m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 21 ?
11.5km
670m
660m
412m
Urban fringe
Combo
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.4%
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2:30
Slow
1:50
Moderate
1:15
Fast
Head through the pest fence and immediately left up the fence line and onto the trail. Follow the trail all the way to the top, through the top pest fence, and into the lookout area.
Grab some pics of the horse and the views and then head out on the White Horse Link Trail at the opposite end of the carpark from where you entered.
Follow the trail down the fenceline and then into the open grass and brush area. At about 4.5km the grass trails split. Take the right-hand trail that has the trail marker on it.
Follow this trail as it descends and eventually merges with the Bellbird Track, head right here and soon you will reach another intersection. Head left here and down Quail Track.
Follow Quail Track to the bottom onto the Railway Trail, turn left and follow this track to an intersection by a carpark on the right. Here you turn left and onto Ngaio Track.
Climb and climb and climb a bit more.... and then head right onto White Horse Link Trail and head up to where the trail split earlier and from there you retrace your steps to the start.
This trail includes the peak Mount Ellen.
Some great native bush trails with lots of birdlife, the White Horse, and great views.
Plenty of parking on the road and in the Eco-Sanctuary carpark.
3 km
5 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map
One small stream at the start, but that's all.
Plenty of places that could get very slippery after lots of rain or in the middle of winter.
Steep ups and downs that could get slippery.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The White Horse Bites!
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SP
A couple of stiff climbs (at least for an old numpty like me) combined with nice easy tops and a steepish downhill in the middle for fun. The track varied from very well maintained with steps to a couple of wheel tracks through the grass but always easy to find and follow. Highlights: the horse (of course), ecosanctuary bird song and keeping company with a grey warbler. Lowlights: the airlessness of the gorge floor on a hot day (the sea breeze doesn't penetrate in there) and a very sunny hill climb!
January 22, 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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