Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Sash and Door Trail

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 20 ?

Gnarl Factor: 23 ?

21.0km

180m

180m

827m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

2%
5%
8%
35%
50%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +1.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:30

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:00

Fast

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.

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

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1 km

1 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

Fill up in town before heading out

It can get quite hot here in the summer, but as always, it is in an alpine environment so be prepared for anything. Expect snow in winter.

The Station Cafe
18 Findlay St. National Park
https://www.thestationcafe.co.nz/
Great coffee & Devonshire teas

Macrocarpa Cafe
3 Waimarino - Tokaanu Road , National Park
https://www.facebook.com/cafemacrocarpa/
Great coffee & all sorts of yummy treats

You and Sash and Door Trail

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Trail Reviews

Chill trail if you are looking for some KMs nearby National Park, sections beside the railway can be frustrating with the large grade gravel being hard on the legs but once you turn towards the Erua forest the track becomes a motorway. Recent work on the initial climb up into the forest means the trail takes a detour from the trail guide and goes a little further before some well graded switchbacks help you hit the top trail. Just some good running.

Eddie Crawford

April 4, 2021

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