Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Karetai, Highcliff, Paradise and Greenacres

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 17 ?

Gnarl Factor: 30 ?

13.7km

600m

600m

286m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Beach

Coastal

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

24%
20%
16%
10%
12%
10%
8%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:20

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:10

Fast

Head off from the starting location at Tomahawk Beach, follow the road until you reach the end just after Tautuku Fishing Club. Head up the 4WD track and on to Karetai Rd. Take the first right and head to the start of the Highcliff track. Follow the orange markers through some nice single track down until you get to the bottom and reach the junction of Paradise track. Head up Paradise, to Highcliff Rd, take a right and follow it until you come to the sign on your left for Greenacres track. Head down here and keep following it until you reach the harbour at Macacdrew Bay.

Great views out to sea. Cliff top views.
Great panoramic views for most of track!

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.

Plenty of parking at starting location, off street.

5 km

9 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Pretty straightforward, keen an eye out for orange poles during section on track.

Patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

As far as I am aware there are no areas to fill up with fresh water.

Coastal weather which is quite variable.

Some of the downhill section could be very slippery after rain - grass and gradient combo.

Cadbury Cafe
280 Cumberland St, Dunedin
https://cadbury.co.nz/cadbury-world/cafe/
Cadbury... need I say more. Delicious array of hot drinks.

Trail Legend

James Lambie

James Lambie

has completed Karetai, Highcliff, Paradise and Greenacres once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great route! Wonderful views in all directions throughout. Don't be put off by the "Boulder Beach access closed" signs at the beginning of the track, this route skirts around the seasonally closed area.

James Lambie

December 6, 2021

Great coastal classic Dunedin run. I did this as part of a bigger loop and loved it, awesome at sunrise! Highcliff and Karetai Tracks were my highlights.

Isaac Walker

June 9, 2020

Wonderful track with fantastic views. Like Crystal said just be aware at the junction with the Paradise track if you go straight up it's the Buskin track that also puts you on Highclif rd. This junction isn't marked well.

Mark Rigby

March 7, 2020

Loved this trail! Started at McAndrew Bay and had 4 seasons in one day - rain to start, then brilliant sunshine and finally biting hail near Tomahawk Beach. Allow extra time to stop and admire the fabulous views.

Richele McKenzie

August 17, 2019

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