Description

As " a Mild Thing" I found doing the entire loop quite challenging, though Wilder Things may find it easy?!

From the National Park Railway Station follow signs for the Marton Sash & Door Trail, which takes you around the block from Findlay St. to Pehi Road, and just past the tip branches off to a trail which parallels the RR tracks.

About 3.5 km out you will veer right at a small gateway; 1km across tussocklands before a short sharpish climb through the bush up to the ridgeline. From there it is a pleasant flat/gently undulating 4km with some interesting relics & signage along the way. You will reach a fork; bear left taking you further along 4WD tracks until you pop out on Cuff Road.

From Cuff Road, turn right on Erua Rd, within 1km you will turn left & have a nice downhill stretch along the Wanganui Sash & Door Trail (more interesting relics!)

Cross Erua Rd. again to follow along 4WD track for 3km; here you will have to carfully make your way over the SH4 bridge, cross the RR tracks & follow Forestry Rd. (sealed) to Uenuku Pines MTB Park. You may be tempted to lose yourself amongst the numerous MTB tracks, but probably best to stick to the marked Marton Sash & Door Trail, to make your way the final 5km along the railways, back to National Park.

Options

I quite enjoy doing the easier out & back segment options. For pure trail & single track, these can be done by starting at one of the 2 entrances along Cuff Road (either 500 meters or 2km up the road). Or with the short warmup from The Station, anywhere out towards Cuff Rd & return.

Features of interest

Old relics form the former tramway, beautiful native bush & views of the mountains

Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 50%

Easy Single Track: 35%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 8%

Gravel Road: 5%

Sealed Road: 2%

Route Data