Last Updated: 9th Nov 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Sledge-Arapuke Swing Bridge Climb

Palmerston North, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Tim Carpenter

Last Updated: 9th Nov 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 35 ?

7.1km

350m

350m

387m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Run Makeup

20%
30%
50%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:45

Fast

From the carpark, head up the road and continue up the L) trail (don't cross bridge) along the Sledge track. The track is well formed and has a few little climbs up steps and slopes. This is running through the native forest.

Around 2.5km in, there will be the swing bridge on the R) side. Head across the bridge. If you are on Strava there is a FKT segment for the climb up this side. The climb is steep, with switchbacks and can be slippery, once you reach the top it will open into the deforested area. Once on the top, you are following the signs to the R) toward the Carpark (if confused generally just continue straight on), undulating along prior to dropping down to the main intersection with the Mountain Bike trails.

This is ZIg Zag Road, and there is a large concrete pipe and park map in front of you. Go through the pipe and then continue for 20 metres before turning onto Pupurahi (mountain bikes use this as an uphill), make sure you don't enter the trails marked with a No Walking sign. Follow Pupurahi down until you reach the native forest again and you will come out onto Back Track. Turn R) and this will take you back down to the beginning area, around 1km.

If you need to run further, then do another loop in reverse :-D

Arapuke Swing Bridge is new in 2017 to link Sledge Track and Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, spanning approx 20 metres across the stream below.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Large carpark at the end with toilet. No public transport.

18 km

26 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Track is generally well marked, there is some cell phone reception.
Once in the Arapuke Mountain bike park, the trails will eventually lead you down to the finish.

Patchy.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, Cellphone

There is no readily available water, carry your own out there.

Can be exposed to the elements up on top of the hill

Once in Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, watch out for mountain bikes.

Trail Legend

SC

Stew Chambers

has completed Sledge-Arapuke Swing Bridge Climb twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Loved the first half through the bush on the Sledge Track and the climb following the swing bridge was awesome. Coming down the mountain bike trails not as enjoyable. Following Sledge track for a few more km’s and trying the toe toe track which looks like a loop or the Otangane Loop might be an option if I can get fitter!

Leo Frank

September 20, 2023

Great track, did this in the dark! Saw lots of native critters out on the ground, trees and track.

Kelda Robinson

June 13, 2021

This is a killer circut and so enjoyable - can be looped with other tracks in the MTB for a great day out of up and downs :)

Jayne Tankersley

October 3, 2020

Nice easy trail, less the climb out of Sledge Track. Sledge track is perfect trail running with beautiful surroundings, undulating trail that is runnable but needs a little attention to avoid the small rocks. The climb up is steep but made easier by zig zags and a few stairs. Once on top it is all smooth trails and easy running back down to the carpark with great views.

Kirstine Collins

July 22, 2020

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