Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open farmlands
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.5%
VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:50
Slow
1:20
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Through the gate at the start of the Grampians Walkway track, you'll follow the zig-zag path up the hill to a trig point. Catch a breath and admire the views over the city, the habour and beyond, and if a good day, the brilliant reflection of the sun on Te Tai o Aorere from this Puke Tirohia Mārama.
Carry on along the Grampians Walkway track until you meet the Grampians Summit Road (a gravel 4x4 road). Here, head down the Grampians Summit Road for approx. 1km until you meet the start of the Kānuka track on the right. Head up the Kānuka track and enjoy the fresh perspective, ignoring the track that appears to veer off to the right (north) approx. 600m from the start of the Kānuka track.
The main track will switch back northwards and you'll get to junction - take a turn right, and enjoy the kānuka and tall ferns along the undulating track until you cross back over the Grampian Summit Road, and continue left along the ridge up to the summit. For those keen enough, spot the hidden summit trig in the bush before running back down to the cattle grid and following the signs for the Kahikatea track/Market Rd entrance. This downhill section flows through the hidden jewel of the Grampians Reserve, lush regenerating native bush. Remember to pause and pay respects to the centuries old trees before exiting through a gate at the bottom and hanging a right up Mahoe track.
From here, grind up to another junction and take a left onto the Tawa track, on which you’ll remain, hugging the western flank of the reserve. Make sure not to take tracks that branch off, heading either back up to the ridge or down to the Tukaka St, Ronaki Tce or Van Diemen St entrances. The Tawa track is a fun rollercoaster ride, with a couple of very short steep descents and a final uphill grunt before joining back up with the Grampians Walkway at the Collingwood St exit point.
This trail includes the peak Grampians.
Pockets of regenerating native forest, exotic trees, and great views out over Nelson.
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.
Collingwood St downhill of Brougham St.
2 km
5 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Check thoroughly prior to setting out a Council map of the Grampians tracks, especially the Tawa and Kānuka track sections as intersections along these stretches can get confusing.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Carry your own supply
Trails can get muddy/slippy after rain.
Most of the Grampians tracks are shared with mountain bikers.
Dogs permitted only on leash; there are sections of track with baited traps and others with stock animals.
Trail Legend
Login as a VIP to become a Trail Legend. Learn about Trail Legends.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Grampians Grunt
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
This one is on my list of favourites! Loved the hills and the views! All the tracks I needed were back open.
February 6, 2023
Certainly steep in a few spots. Made a few wrong turns so backtracking was the winner! Some great views from the tops also. You could spend hours on that hill exploring all the different trails.
November 24, 2021
Pretty, somewhat 'undulating' and interesting landscape. Good hilly bits. Fun after a heavy rainfall! I also struggled to maintain the Tawa Track section - mostly guesswork. Second time round will be a lot smoother.
May 12, 2021