Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Te Mata Peak Giant Track

Havelock North, Hawkes Bay

Submitted by Melissa Franklin

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12

Gnarl Factor: 47

6.5km

410m

410m

376m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
40%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

1:10

Slow

0:50

Moderate

0:40

Fast

Starting at the Chambers Walk carpark, head up the Chamber Walk for about 700m until you see a track going to the right. Take this track noting the red track markers as these will be the colour markers you will follow for this run. You will continue to follow these track markers as they take you up and over to the redwoods. Once in the redwoods you will need to go left and then right towards the fence line to climb the sty over the fence. This track with take you around the side of Te Mata peak to eventually you will start climbing up the zig zag track to the top. Once at the top take a moment to check out the views of pretty much the whole of the Hawke's Bay. The track will take you to the carpark at the top and you will need to cross the carpark to continue on the track which runs down the fenceline on the right. This track will continue down the peak with the road to its left. The track condition has deteriorated over the years and can be muddy after lots of rain so watch your feet, but remember to look up and enjoy those views (watch the wind gusts don't take your hat off too!) Continue to follow the track as you head down the peak. At about the 5.5km mark you will have to cross the road (watch for cars) to rejoin the track at the other side of the carpark to your right. This track will now take you back to Chambers Walk and then to where you started. You can extend this run by taking the blue track to the top of peak again (a different way) or the orange track which will take you up to the water tanks (not quite to the top) you past coming down the first time. Adding one of these will make your run 10-11kms long. Just beware of mountain bikers and other people using these tracks as it can be a very popular place everyday.

Beautiful redwood forest with some massive trees.

Plenty of parking at the carpark at end of Tauroa Road which can be quite a busy place.

4 km

6 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Just look for the red track markers and cross the carparks to find the tracks continue on the other side of them.

Perfect throughout.

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

None.

Can get very muddy in winter and the winds can be cold at the top.

Watch for mountain bikers.

Trail Legend

AG

Alex Gunson

has completed Te Mata Peak Giant Track once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Te Mata Peak Giant Track

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Absolutely beautiful, about of everything in there, hard to run the whole thing as some of the ups get steep but so fun and the views are incredible

Anna Scheirlinck

November 20, 2020

Have done the Te Mata Peak walk a couple of times. Enjoy the challenge it gives.The views are amazing when you get to the top.A nice spring or autumn walk to do.

Megan Bigg

August 5, 2019

Cool trail, some thinking has to be done up the Snakes and Ladders section but a nice easy trial on the way down if run in an anti clockwise direction. Great views at the top

Charlie Harrison

June 1, 2019

Great place if you love a hill. Plenty of tracks and some beautiful views all around.

Mark Stevens

May 17, 2019

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Overlapping Trails

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.

You say Tomato, I say Te Mata

You say Tomato, I say Te Mata

Length: 8.5km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Other trails nearby
Blowhard Bush

Blowhard Bush

Length: 3.2km

Level: Beginner

Tukituki Explore

Tukituki Explore

Length: 11.5km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Park to Pond

Park to Pond

Length: 17.0km

Level: Beginner

 Tukituki River Trail

Tukituki River Trail

Length: 12.0km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby