Last Updated: 23rd Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Bush Creek Banger and The Steiger!

Arrowtown, Otago

Submitted by Adam Carlson

Last Updated: 23rd Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 23 ?

Gnarl Factor: 25 ?

14.5km

775m

775m

850m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

20%
50%
30%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:40

Slow

1:15

Moderate

0:45

Fast

This out & back run covers a delightful section of The WILD 20 mile course with a ‘peak’ named by local paragliders thrown in just for fun (and for great views!)

Most suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate level runners.

Peaks to be bagged:
The Steiger (a local’s name only) 850m

Navigation:
Easy. The main Bush Creek Track is now part of the Coronet Loop Track – a dual use MTB/walking track. If you keep a sharp eye out you’ll see a couple of ‘pedestrian only’ sections of the original track that cut out the zig zags that were put in for the mountain bikers.

The trail runs through old gold mining area (like most in Otago). The forest sections are excellent, the tussocks are like alpine meadows. The view at the top is more than satisfactory.

There are public toilets on the street next to Fork&Tap, as well as in the public parking lot.

Plenty of free, all day parking in Arrowtown by the river.

1 km

3 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Follow the signage (Sawpit Gully) across the footbridge from the Chinese Village toilets. It doesn't matter which of the dirt road tracks you take on the way up, they all lead to the same place. Cross the water pipe (more signage) and enter the woods. At the next footbridge make sure you turn left, drop down a few meters and from there you can't go wrong. The saddle is the best turn around, the mountain bike trail beyond there doesn't currently make for nice running.

Patchy.

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

You will follow a creek (funnily enough) the whole way, but there are goats, sheep etc so it may not be too good.
Water at the Chinese Village toilets is good.

In the winter the valley gets very little sun, the forested section can get icy. The top occasionally will have snow. There are no winter trail markers, so under heavy snow the trail may be hard to find.

There is a chance of cold wet feet in Spring. In the middle of summer it can get pretty hot, take water and sunscreen.

Patagonia Chocolate and Cafe
Ramshaw Lane
Good coffee, icecream and chocolate

The Fork and Tap
Far end of Ramshaw lane
Craft Beer in the warm beer garden, good hot chips, good food. Sandpit for to keep the kids busy.

Trail Legend

GS

Gavin Sinclair

has completed Bush Creek Banger and The Steiger! 15 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Beautiful track with stunning views at the saddle. Unable to climb the steiger due to a slip blocking the obvious path up. Definitely recommend!

Janette Gwilliam

October 18, 2023

Fantastic out and back trail with excellent views. Beautiful on a snowy day!

Stefanie Parks

June 26, 2022

A real favourite, especially on a frosty morning!

Malcolm Law

May 27, 2022

Awesome wee trail, good surfaces, not overly steep, but for me, running to HR, it was mostly hike up and run back. Theview at the saddle is amazing - might have spent a bit too long up there admiring and sharing! I think I’m pleased I didn’t. One across any super speedy mountain bikers, especially in the zig-zags… ! Will definitely revisit this one!

Helen Brunner

December 4, 2021

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