Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Whangaruru North Head Loop

Russell, Northland

Submitted by Mark Craig

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

7.0km

330m

330m

119m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Coastal

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

10%
10%
20%
60%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

Starting at the Puriri Bay camp gate, take the right hand route towards the bush line approx 200m to where the track begins and takes you quickly over to Teparapara Bay. Following the track you will end up back on the main road (gravel) for 500ish meters, Whangaruru North Head track will be signposted on the right.

Run the single track and enjoy the coast views, at around 5.2km take the signposted route to the trig which is a quick run up hill and return the same way completing the track section, the last 1k is along a gravel road/farm track taking you to back to the Puriri Bay camp.

Stunning coastal views.

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.

Parking 100m before the Puriri Bay camp gate.

42 km

51 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Around the 4.5k mark there is a track on the right for a quick exit back to Puriri Bay camp

Very patchy.

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Water is available at Puriri Bay camp, boiling is advised.

Bloody hot in summer!

Bland Bay Camp
Bland Bay
Only place for a cold drink or an ice cream for miles!

Trail Legend

Justyna Blajerska

Justyna Blajerska

has completed Whangaruru North Head Loop once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in either direction

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Trail Reviews

Excellent workout… my late model Garmin brought it in at 431 vert and 7.64km. A little of the extra vert is the hill up from the camp as the trail from the campground around to join the road is closed. Lots of tūīs with the kōwhai in bloom and every now and then a jaw-dropping view. A good tough run/walk!

Mike Tennent

September 16, 2023

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