Big Breast Loop

You could start this run in a number of spots and run it in either direction. I picked the start/finish so I could have a swim in the lake at the end and also the direction so I had a more gradual ascent and steeper descent.

From Johns Creek carpark follow the road back up through the ford and turn left at Hawea Back Road. Follow this straight piece of gravel road for around 2.5km through another ford until you reach Nook Road. Turn left up Nook Road and this will take you to the start of Grandview Track. From here it is a simple DOC marked trail. There are 6 creek crossings (with some luck you will keep your feet dry) before you start the Grandview ascent.

Head up and up until you reach the Grandview Summit sign - turn right and follow the trail for around 500m so you can claim the summit. Head back down to this same intersection and turn right - follow the signs to Grandview Ridge Track around to the left. Follow the 4wd track all the way around the tops, passing trig point 1453, staying on the farm road and not taking any turns. You will pass the signs to Pakituhi Hut on the left, stay straight right through to around the 29km point. Turn left towards the Breast Hill Summit.

This is the final grunt to finish off your already tired legs. Once you hit the summit of Breast Hill - take a break! Magical spot up there. Then simple follow the DOC poles back down the ridge to your right overlooking the lake the entire way. Feel free to pop down to Pakituki Hut at the saddle, or make the right turn and head around the sidle and down the nice steep descent. Quite technical in parts and tough on tired legs so keep your wits about you. Once you hit the gravel road at the bottom of Breast Hill Track turn right and follow it for around 1km back to the carpark and finish. Time for a swim!