Last Updated: 2nd Oct 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Lindis Loop

Cromwell, Otago

Submitted by Sierra Alef-Defoe

Last Updated: 2nd Oct 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 84 ?

Gnarl Factor: 18 ?

63.3km

3567m

3567m

1752m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -16.0%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

15:00

Slow

12:00

Moderate

9

Fast

Start on the Melina Ridge track, which starts you off easy with undulating terrain in farm country. After a few hours you start ascending to Mt Prospect, which mostly follows a fenceline.

From there descend further fenceline and then some more 4WD track to the lovely rest spot of Top Timaru Hut. From there you join a section of the Te Araroa trail. Follow the Timaru river up towards Mt Martha, a valley with stunning views.

Descend to Avon Burn, where private Tin Hut also makes for a lovely rest spot. From here you leave the Te Araroa trail and start ascending again an easy 4WD track to Pavillion Peak.

Keep a look at your topo map to make sure you're on the right 4WD track to take you next over Dromedary Hill and then out Delrachney Station. From there it's simple to hitch back about 15 km to the other trailhead.

This trail includes the peak Mount Prospect.

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 is available at the Melina Ridge start. If you start from the Delrachney station side, there is more parking.

76 km

53 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

On a track like this it could be easy to think, "It's all 4WD track, how could I get lost?" The problem is that there are many 4WD tracks going all directions in the Lindis area, and there aren't very many DOC signs or orange markers to help guide you for long stretches. Checking a topo app will help ensure you're on the right track.

Non-existent.

Thermal leggings, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

There are a few streams in the beginning when you're on the Melina Ridge Track, but getting up towards Mt Prospect you won't see water again until you're close to Top Timaru Hut. From Top Timaru Hut to Avon Burn, you will consistently be near water. Between Avon Burn and the flats of Delrachney Station (20 km), there is no water. Finally 5km before you hit the road in the Delrachney Station there is water again.

This track is exposed to weather in that there's no tree cover and often follows ridge lines and peaks. Be aware of sun, wind, rain. Could be prone to extreme hots & colds.

Take care descending Mt Prospect, there's a bit of scree and slips.

You and Lindis Loop

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Lindis Loop!

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Lowburn to Deep Creek

Lowburn to Deep Creek

Length: 19.2km

Level: Intermediate - Experienced

Pisa Moorings Meander

Pisa Moorings Meander

Length: 11.6km

Level: Beginner

Potters Creek Loop

Potters Creek Loop

Length: 27.1km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Bannockburn Tailings Track

Bannockburn Tailings Track

Length: 5.0km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby