Last Updated: 5th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Conical Hill and Return

Glenorchy, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 5th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 46 ?

Gnarl Factor: 44 ?

27.4km

1450m

1450m

1515m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Lakeside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
40%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

7:00

Slow

5:00

Moderate

3:30

Fast

Starting from the shelter, the first 6.5kms are along a very well maintained path. Various bridge crossings and a lovely forest to run through. At 6.5km, you have the option of popping off to your right for a visit to the Routeburn Flats hut. Taking a left, you head up the hill for another 2.5km of uphill before coming to the Routeburn Falls Hut. This is a good place to refill the water bottles and have a chat to people walking the track. The hut sits just below the falls and as you continue you run up past these.

As you continue climbing past the Routeburn Falls Hut the track becomes a little more technical on average, with some uneven footing. Track track continues up and alongside Lake Harris then to the Harris Saddle. At the saddle there is a shelter where you can use the toilet if need. The Concial Hill track leads off from here and is roughly 45min return from this point. After reaching the top of Conical Hill, return at leisure via the path you came up on.

This trail includes the peak Conical Hill.

Plenty of waterfalls, bird watching, mountain lakes, view of the West Coast at Martins Bay from top of Conical Hill.

Plenty of parking space available, pretty public area, but given the number of people moving through the area maybe not leave valuables in car...

25 km

28 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Non-existent.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Gaiters

Plenty of water around, drinking from the streams above the track should be ok. Water is at Routeburn Flats and Falls Huts.

During winter there are avalanche paths that cross the track. Check with DOC before venturing out.

Many footing issues given the technical nature at some points above the Falls Hut.

Glenorchy Cafe ad Bar
25 Mull St, Glenorchy
https://www.facebook.com/glenorchycafe/
Fast, friendly and great coffee.

Trail Legend

DN

Daniel Nogueira

has completed Conical Hill and Return twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Awesome way to see the Routeburn without the logistical car/key swap issues. The hill at the top is a nice wee bonus.

Paul Nicholas

April 22, 2021

What an absolute stunner of a run and what a great way to see a good half of the Routeburn. Probably my favourite run ever so far 😊

Thomas Ricketts

January 11, 2021

So cold, yet so amazing the atmoshpere provides the warmth you need. What an amazing piece of our country! Looking forward to being able to get right through to the divide when its been fixed up.

Aaron Campbell

November 17, 2020

All the best of the Routeburn without the logistics of a point to point. Make sure it's a clear day up top as apparently you can see right across to the coast - but I've always been trapped in clouds so can't really verify!

Fleur Douglas

January 30, 2020

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