Last Updated: 12th Oct 2024

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Paihia Lookout Track +

Paihia, Northland

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 12th Oct 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 17 ?

Gnarl Factor: 28 ?

11.0km

550m

550m

148m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Run Makeup

70%
30%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:50

Slow

1:20

Moderate

0:55

Fast

From the start of the trail proper in School Rd, follow the trail to the first (and only) sign, it’s a steady and mostly runnable climb. The Lookout is to the right, but we will get to that later, for now turn left onto the Oromahoe Traverse trail. Now you hit the Rollercoaster button… for the next 4km or so you will have wonderful running trail up and down, up and down and repeat many times. A few steep wee sections that may reduce you to a walk, but the trail is pristine and you are surrounded for most of the run by thousands of juvenile kauri, along with rimu and many other natives.

Eventually you will come to Oromahoe Road and the end of the trail. This is your turnaround point. Head back along the Oromahoe Traverse trail, but when you reach the sign again, head left to the lookout some 400m away. Suck in some great views of the Bay of Islands and then back down the trail to the start.

Great views over Paihia, Waitangi and Russell. 

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.

Limited parking at the trail start, so if you are staying close run from there.

1 km

2 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Generally good.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Not much that you can use.

Some of the ups and downs on top get a bit green and slippery, just take your time and you should be ok.

Slippery when wet on top!

Trail Legend

Kathy Menary

Kathy Menary

has completed Paihia Lookout Track + 5 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Such a blast running this trail! Could be slippy on a wet day. The roller coaster description is very apt. The final run home from the lookout is so much fun, downhill no brakes!

Jon Culley

December 27, 2021

Grind up to a nice lookout then undulate along the tops. Good trail condition, occasional slippery clay

Angus Neill

September 27, 2020

great views and easy to run from Paihia town. runnable all the way to the lookout on a good quality trail

Julia Anderson

October 25, 2019

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