Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Hihitahi Highpoint
Submitted by Kirstine Collins
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 60 ?
9.3km
500m
500m
1116m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Kirstine Collins
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 60 ?
9.3km
500m
500m
1116m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.4%
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3:00
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:15
Fast
From the carpark run 50 meters across open paddock to the next stile. From the stile continue straight keeping to left of the tree line. At the end of the tree line turn left and follow the stream to the swingbridge.
Continue following the fence line through a swampy area. Keep close to the fence line where punga have been laid over the wet parts. Even in winter after rain this can be crossed with dry shoes. When the fenceline turns left look up the hill and you will see a large orange triangle on the fence. Climb the hill to the triangle, cross the fence and follow the trail marked by orange triangles.
The next 300m is the worst part of the track with some small mud patches and a little overgrown. The trail then climbs steeply up 100 vertical meters. At the 2km mark the gradient eases off and it is a great run for the next 2 km along the ridgeline. At the end you reach a clearing and continue a few meters along the track to the survey mark and views of Mt Ruapehu.
Now head back the way you came letting gravity help you home.
This trail includes the peak Hihitahi.
Great views of Mt Ruapehu
Parking for 3 cars max without blocking farmers access
10 km
7 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The first part through the farmland only has a couple of very faded markers sticking above the fenceline. Once over the fence the trail is clear and marked regularly with orange triangles. Be careful going up the steep section when you see pink ribbons tied around a couple of trees. The track doglegs to the right but there is a fainter trail straight ahead which is not the way. You can see the next orange triangle from the trees with pink ribbon.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Survival bag, Cellphone
Water near the start but none once into the bush
Small section at around 1.2 km has some mud patches in winter. They can mainly be traversed without muddy shoes except after rain.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hihitahi Highpoint
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Ran after Cyclone Gabrielle and was fearing for the worst after seeing the devastation at Lake Rotoaira Forest on the way through. Thankfully, the trail hasn't been impacted. There's a bit of windfall but only one tree which requires an easy navigation around (under!). Still a bit boggy in the early parts and a bit of the fight with the young pungas nearer the end but still plenty of good running.
February 26, 2023
A bit rough and boggy and plenty of windfall. Lots of ribbons and markers to keep you on track. Awesome views of the Maunga at the top.
November 2, 2021
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