Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Pelorus to Rocks return

Havelock, Marlborough

Submitted by Dave Hall

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 64

Gnarl Factor: 40

35.2km

Length of run

1790m

Total Ascent

1790m

Total Descent

817m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

40%

50%

10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.0%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

9.00:00

Slow

7.30:00

Moderate

5.00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the road end follow the Pelorus Track (part of the Te Araroa Trail) past Captain Creek Hut to Middy Creek Hut. Cross the river on the bridge and start the long grunt uphill through bush to Rocks Hut. Stop at Rocks Hut for a well earned break & then retrace your steps back to the car.

The Pelorus river is beautiful with some of the clearest water in the World. I believe some of the Lord of the Rings scenes were shot in this valley.

Transport and parking:

There is parking at the road end for multiple cars

Distance from Havelock:

23 km

Driving time from Havelock:

35 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Availability of Water:

You follow the Pelorus River for the majority of the run, so water is ample. After leaving Middy Hut going to Rocks Hut there is no water, so ensure you fill up at the bottom of the long grunt up hill.

Seasonality Issues:

The track is pretty good year round. There are lots of roots & the odd rock to climb over so can get a little slippery

Hazards:

There are a lot of wasps in this area over summer.

Pelorus Bridge Cafe
Pelorus
Good pies & cold drinks after a long run

Trail Legend