Tarn S-KVery Experienced
Submitted by Seanoa Isaac
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bushOpen ridges/tops
Very Experienced
Not Suitable (Slow)
24:00 (Moderate)
16:00 (Fast)
-10.9%
+12.4%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
A recce of the northern end or Dundas Ridge is advised as well as Tarn Ridge itself. You will need to be capable with map and compass if visibility is poor as the first half is more of a route than a track until Jumbo. In clear weather navigation is fairly straightforward. Recommend to reach out to others who have done the route. Check out Wellington Big Sunday Run Group on Facebook.
FOR THE EXPERIENCED MOUNTAIN RUNNER ONLY: there are long unmarked sections and you really need to be self-sufficient on this run as there are limited bail out options once you're on the tops, until about the halfway mark. The weather can be gnarly, so choose your day wisely!
Trail Community
Features of interest
The route covers 8 x 1500m peaks plus a few others like Mt. Holdsworth. You also pass a few graves, Brockett Rocks, the Waiohine Pinnacles and Broken Axe Pinnacles.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 40%
Technical Single Track: 10%
Moderate Single Track: 30%
Easy Single Track: 20%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each
Photos:
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Access
Head to the Putara road end south west of Eketahuna.
Parking isn't a problem, although can get busy on nice weather weekends.
19 km
25 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Extreme.
Most of the difficult nav is early in the journey especially if you start in the dark. A recce is advised.
Navigation over Cone Saddle in particular can be a problem as this section will often be completed in the dark.Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, 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, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters.
Water is usually fine at the huts but pays to check if its been very dry. There are long sections between huts. There are also tarns which are OK if with aquatabs/ filter but also pays to check local knowledge on their condition. You will need to plan your water refills for this.
Water can be a problem after long dry spells, so aim to carry at least 2L at a time during summer.Tararua tops can be brutal any time of year and not to be underestimated. Good weather is almost certainly desired as the first half of the route is exposed tops.
Some sidling and clambering around Waiohine Pinnacles, Girdlestone, North King and Broken Axe Pinnacles is required. Recommend that you are comfortable in this terrain.
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Post run indulgence
DIY
Kaitoke carpark
Purely up to how you organise support throughout or at the end as you'll be poked and you finish in a dusty car park 20min drive from anything -
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