Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Cardrona to Arrowtown

Arrowtown, Otago

Submitted by Rob Bathgate

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 78

Gnarl Factor: 40

40.6km

Length of run

2490m

Total Ascent

2615m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

50%

25%

20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

7:00

Moderate

5:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

This is an extended version of Route 1 which takes you over Legs 7 and 8 of The WILD 100 mile course. It’s a point to point run that starts at the Tuohys Gully car park and will require a drop-off, car shuttles or a key swap with people running in the opposite direction.

Most suitable for:
Intermediate level runners and above. A high level of fitness is required.

Peaks to be bagged:
Queensberry Hill 1531m (v. short detour), Quartz Knoll 1593m, Mt Allen 1492m (v. short detour), Rock Peak 1490m (short detour), Mt Scott 1363m and Crown Peak 1735m (v. short detour)

Navigation:
The first half is very easy. The second half (after crossing the main road) is reasonably straightforward in good conditions but could be tricky towards top of Crown Peak if the cloud is down.

Trail Conditions
The first half is all easy 4WD/farm track. The section from the main road to Crown Peak is much rougher with only a sketchy trail at best to follow. From Crown Peak down is more 4WD/farm track and some easy-moderate single track, finishing with very cruisy riverside trail.

Optional Extra
Only a few tens of metres off the track is the rocky summit of Crown Peak (1735m) – worth the diversion if you’re a peak bagger.

Transport and parking:

This is a point to point run that starts at the Tuohys Gully car park and will require a drop-off, car shuttles or a key swap with people running in the opposite direction.

Distance from Arrowtown:

0 km

Driving time from Arrowtown:

0 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

The first half is very easy. The second half (after crossing the main road) is reasonably straightforward in good conditions but could be tricky towards top of Crown Peak if the cloud is down.

Cellphone Coverage:

Unknown.

Suggested Gear List:

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map.

Availability of Water:

This is the kicker! There is NONE available on this route, so we suggest you drop at least 2L
somewhere near the Crown Saddle car park to pick up en route. Start with at least 2L as well
(more if it’s a hot day)

Seasonality Issues:

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Trail Reviews

Mark Rigby

Did this run in autumn, and the weather was superb. Fantastic track, easy to follow with some great climbs and even better views. Very little access to water on the route, so take plenty.

Mark Rigby

January 2, 2023