Waikareiti/Ruapani CircuitIntermediate
Submitted by Lyn Stanton
Intermediate
7:00 (Slow)
5:00 (Moderate)
3:30 (Fast)
-15.6%
+15.5%
Be aware of possibility of hunters.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Please set your gender to see your position on the FKT leaderboards.
Men
There are currently no male FKTs for Waikareiti/Ruapani Circuit.
Women
There are currently no female FKTs for Waikareiti/Ruapani Circuit.
Filter FKTs
The more , the harder the FKT will be to beat. Learn about Fastest Known Times.
Description
From the trailhead, keep straight on up the hill. This first part of the trail, while a moderate but relentless 300m climb, is very smooth and well formed all the way to the lakeside shelter. There are toilets here.
After the shelter the track immediately becomes significantly more technical, initially hugging the lakeside and then cutting inland for a while before meeting the Ruapani Circuit junction which is signposted. If you just want to do the circuit, turn left - but this full route incorporates an out and back to visit Sandy Bay Hut further around the lakeside. This stretch looks deceptively easy on the map but the repeated significant undulations in and out of side creeks are reasonably taxing. The track is generally good but fern overgrowth can make it hard to see your feet and will slow most people down a bit.
There are a number of small bridges in the gullies and eventually you will emerge at Sandy Bay - lovely for a dip in the right season and there is water here and shelter from the elements if needed. When ready, return the way you came to the junction and this time turn right and continue the Ruapani Circuit. You will pass a number of open swamp pans in the forest - shallow lakes if there has been a lot of rain - some relief from what can seem slightly oppressive deep forest. Small sign boards give their names and will enable you to track your progress if you have a topo map. In wet weather some parts may be very muddy. Eventually you may hear the road and emerge seemingly quite suddenly by the trail head where you came in.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Magnificent native forest with interesting swamp flats and a beautiful lake
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Technical Single Track: 30%
Moderate Single Track: 50%
Easy Single Track: 20%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 0%
Gravel Road: 0%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
Your Trail Wishlist
All the runs that are on your To Do list (no limit).
Add to wishlist view wishlistWild Explorers
I did it!-
Access
Lake Waikareiti trailhead, on Highway 38 just north of Waikaremoana Holiday Park
Roadside parking opposite trail head and nearby, or park at carpark by Holiday Park
65 km
66 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Moderate.
The track is generally well formed but there can be vegetation over growth. A topo map is recommended. It pays to maintain awareness of the usual DOC orange triangles.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map.
From the lake and at the hut. Nothing on rest of circuit.
It could get very cold in here and will get dark early in such dense bush. Gear up accordingly.
- Blog Posts and Articles
-
Sponsor this trail