Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Champion Circuit

Nelson, Nelson

Submitted by Emma Dryland

Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 22 ?

Gnarl Factor: 31 ?

14.3km

730m

740m

793m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Other

Run Makeup

63%
17%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:00

Fast

Head past the caretaker’s house up the 4WD road that climbs above the true left of Roding River. Continue along the road and cross Roding River (~2km), the first of a few wet feet crossings. The Smelter is further along the road (~4km mark).

Continue along the 4WD road until it ends at United Creek at the beginning of the mineral belt (~6km mark). Cross the creek and follow the track as it winds up a rocky gully through scrubby native bush to United Mine. This track is marked with orange triangles and sliver strips.

At the signposted No.2 Level Shaft (~7km mark), the track heads to the left side of the gully - follow the Champion Mine sign. Once out of the gully and onto a spur, the track is well-defined and climbs steeply through the mineral belt to the top of the ridge. A rocky knob marks the 739 m high point.

The track drops along the ridge and enters beech forest, zig-zagging down toward Champion Mine. At the valley floor you will reach the junction with the tramway, turn left for the Champion Mine (200m). After Champion Mine, come back to this junction and continue straight along the tramway. Take a left turn (signposted Carpark) for the track that drops steeply down, cross the Roding River again and connect back with the 4WD road. Left here to head back to the car park.

Champion Smelter, and Champion and United copper mines. Nelson Mineral Belt.

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.

No public transport. There is a long drop, information signage, and intention book at near the track head.

0 km

0 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

The single track is marked with orange triangles and sliver strips.

Very patchy.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Water from streams available before & after the climb.

Several unbridged river crossings, so it cannot be done when flows are high.

The mining areas contain abandoned shafts - keep to the track.
Several unbridged river crossings, so it cannot be done when flows are high.

The Lunch Stop
111 Pascoe St, Annesbrook, Nelson
Excellent pies

Trail Legend

Birte Kleinloog

Birte Kleinloog

has completed Champion Circuit twice in the last year.

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