Last Updated: 4th Jun 2024
Silica Rapids trail
National Park, Manawatu - Wanganui
Submitted by Orla Drylie
Last Updated: 4th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 19 ?
7.8km
260m
260m
1311m
Last Updated: 4th Jun 2024
National Park, Manawatu - Wanganui
Submitted by Orla Drylie
Last Updated: 4th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 19 ?
7.8km
260m
260m
1311m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.9%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
This track starts across the road from the fire station. Follow the signs around for Silica Rapids, keeping to the left at intersections. After 5km, you will come out onto Bruce Road, turn left and it's just over 2km downhill on the road to the village. Alternatively, to avoid the road and lengthen the run, you could re-trace your steps back past the rapids
Silica rapids, great views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. You can see Mt Taranaki on a very clear day
Public toilets just down the road, opposite the Chateau..
Parking at head of the trail. No public transport
16 km
12 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Streams en-route producing great drinking water
It is very exposed and at a high altitude in places. It can get very windy. Stick to the trails and abandon if required.
Pihanga Cafe
Whakapapa Village
https://www.chateau.co.nz/food-drinks/pihanga-cafe-and-t-bar/
Good coffees and food for all taste buds
Tussock Pub
Whakapapa Village
https://www.chateau.co.nz/food-drinks/tussock-bar-restaurant/
Good, honest pub grub with a great selection of draught beers
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Great scenic loop with a mix of terrain. The road section is not ideal, but a quick way to get back to the village.
January 12
JG
First true trail run that I’ve done. Enjoyed it but couldn’t face the road so ran back. Would recommend this and
Will do again
May 18, 2021
This is my All time favourite shorter Wild Things trail. Even loved the road section. Stunning views and geology. And fabulous food truck at the end.
October 24, 2020
Not so much the loop, cuz I don't like the road downhill ;) bj it out & back on the Silica Rapids is one of my favourite run. Have lost track how many times I've done it!
April 17, 2020
These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.
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