Last Updated: 21st Nov 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Mt Rosa Loop

Arrowtown, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 21st Nov 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 26 ?

Gnarl Factor: 17 ?

20.3km

1213m

1213m

1316m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Mountainous

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%
30%
45%
5%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +16.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:30

Slow

2:30

Moderate

1:45

Fast

Starting at the carpark at the main road you follow the poled route right up the side of Mt Mason. The track winds up and over Mt Mason, drops down to a saddle and then climbs back up Mt Rosa. Once on Mt Rosa there are great views before you drop down to the Coal Pit Saddle. Here there are many options to carry on, but for this route carry on down the road towards the bottom of the valley. Take a right at the first intersection and follow the back roads through the valley down to join with the main road. A small section of roadside running, which is relatively unpleasant, but is handy for getting you back to the original location - making it a lot less hassle if completing by yourself.

This trail includes the peaks Mount Rosa and Mount Mason.

Great views of the Gibbston Valley.
Old mining relics around the Coal Pit Saddle area.
Up close and personal with Nevis Bluff and huge rapids in Kawarau River.

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 is available in a wee carpark at the trailhead. Good parking at Oxbow.

20 km

17 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Following poles.
About 1.4km in the route deviates from the 4wd track and heads off to the left. Don't miss it, or you will head towards the bluff rather than up Mt Mason.

Generally good.

Thermal leggings, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

No water on track

Snow on top a possibility in winter. Exposed ridges can be very hazardous during wind/rain.

Trail Legend

MS

Max Stenhouse Burgess

has completed Mt Rosa Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I was pleased I looked at the elevation profile the night before - all the climbing is in the first 8km, so the next 10 km or so makes for a nice jaunt down hill. The climbing starts pretty quickly and doesn't take long to feel like you are getting some good hill work in. After 8km you start descending & when you see the signs "remarkable conservation area" you hope the style on your right and keep heading down hill. Do agree the last few km's along the road is a bit ho hum, if you do it on the left heading back you get good views of the river, but can be a bit intimidating with the cars zooming along. Be a good one to do with a friend & leave a car at each end :)

Wendy Hawkes

May 13, 2018

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