Waiopehu Gable GruntIntermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Native bushOpen farmlandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
8:00 (Slow)
6:00 (Moderate)
3:30 (Fast)
-15.5%
+13.2%
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Description
Topo map is essential. Head off from the carpark at Poads Road and follow the poled route across the paddocks until you come to the track proper. When you get to the first junction take the right hand track marked Waiopheu Hut - this is part of the Te Araroa Trail. There is a second junction further up - continue on the right hand trail.
Just keep on climbing, and climbing and climbing. The hut is about 9km up. There is water but I think this needs to be boiled so it would pay to take enough for the whole trip. There is a toilet at the hut though. From the hut keep climbing up to Twin Peaks and the Memorial beacon. You then have a small descent and another wee climb before the next junction which is the turn off down the Gable End Ridge Track. At this point you'll be hoping it's all down hill from here but sadly you'd be disappointed - there's a few gentle undulations as you make your way back down the mountain.
Stick right all the way down past the first turnoff and head along the Ohau Gorge before rejoining the track just before the farmland again and back to the carpark. My watch stopped at 21.9km but with a little calculating worked it out to be 23km round trip. Not for the faint hearted.
Trail Community
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 95%
Easy Single Track: 4%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 1%
Route Data
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Access
The start is in the carpark area at the end of Poads Road which is off Gladstone Road, Levin.
Large carpark area with a longdrop for last minute necessities. No water available here so make sure you fill up before leaving Levin.
11 km
13 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Water at the hut is fine to drink
Very muddy after rain
Exposed to cold winds
Snow in winter -
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