Karetai SoldierBeginner
Beginner
2:00 (Slow)
1:20 (Moderate)
0:50 (Fast)
-7.8%
+7.6%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
From the old gun bunkers head up the road and veer right towards Smails Beach. Veer right again at the Fishing Club sign and follow the road to the end where Karetai Track starts. Follow the track up with good views back down the coast. This track then joins Karetai Rd (gravel). 500m or so up you have the option of turning right and following the road to Highcliff Track to form a larger loop. Otherwise follow the gravel road to the end (it will become sealed), then turn left onto Highcliff Rd.
Now here's where you have to be careful. Not much space to run either side of the road so be careful and change carefully to whichever side has the most room. Follow the sealed road down past Centre Rd on your left and you will see the Soldiers Monument up on the left. Take the Soldiers Monument Track up and you will reach a track intersection. Straight is the trail to Tomahawk Lagoon Track/Peg 41 Track which is the way you will go. Left is access to the Monument and is worth a look for sure. After the Monument head down the correct route over the stile and follow the fun downhill single track. Be careful not to get some extra zap in your downhill zip from the electric fence. This track has some great coastal native bush sections down near the end and then again along side Tomahawk Lagoon (lots of birdlife here). At the end of the lagoon entrance veer right and turn left again on Tomahawk Rd back up to the start again.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Gorgeous views up Karetai Track and Karetai Rd. Historic stop at Soldiers Monument and more views down the harbour.
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 10%
Easy Single Track: 30%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 10%
Gravel Road: 25%
Sealed Road: 25%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each
Photos:
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Access
The old gun bunkers on Tomahawk Rd, parking just off the road. You can start this run anywhere you like on the loop however!
Public bus to Tomahawk is available. Otherwise close to town so you can run to the start.
7 km
10 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Just follow the signs and instructions and you will be fine!
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Short run so not really needed (none anyway).
Very exposed around Karetai Track so if windy wrap up warm.
The cars on Highcliff Rd, give them space and be careful!
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Post run indulgence
Tuppence Cafe
Waverly
Cheese rolls!!! Best in town. - Blog Posts and Articles
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Sponsor this trail
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