Last Updated: 30th Oct 2023
Breast Hill Blast
Submitted by Andre Chalmers
Last Updated: 30th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 43 ?
Gnarl Factor: 91 ?
15.5km
1300m
1300m
1578m
Last Updated: 30th Oct 2023
Submitted by Andre Chalmers
Last Updated: 30th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 43 ?
Gnarl Factor: 91 ?
15.5km
1300m
1300m
1578m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Lakeside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +18.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -18.7%
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5:00
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:30
Fast
This track is easy to start with as it follows a narrow path, you have to look for the orange poles the higher up you get. Sometimes the track is clear and other times find your own route but generally it is clear where you are heading, use a mobile device if not sure as you don't want to go too far off track, there are some seriously steep sections in the middle section. It is a very steep climb initially with lots of rock and sheep trails.
Once you get to the saddle it flattens off and you can go and chill out at the spectacular Pakituhi Hut at around the 4km mark. You then continue up towards the summit, the trail here can be tricky in cold, wet or muddy conditions and is not recommended in winter. The path offers massive panoramas over Lake Hāwea and is usually pretty safe as long as you stay away from the steep edge. The summit is wonderful but exposed, on a good day hang out for a while, if bad head back to the hut. The trail length is based on going to the hut which adds slightly more distance than if you simply go to the summit and back. Head back the way you came. Some sections are runnable but slow down and walk if you're uncomfortable as it can be easy to slip.
This trail includes the peak Breast Hill.
I describe this as one of the best ways to enjoy New Zealand sheep country, you should see them at some point way more interesting then on the flat!
You will have to self drive, note that there is no parking at the trailhead you will have to find the nearby park as mentioned above.
7 km
10 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Navigation is easy if you are used to this terrain but a bit more difficult for a newbie. There are a few points where the track leads off the spur and around a knob or two. When you get to the ridgeline make sure you turn left to go up the hill or head straight to the hut.
Patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Main water sources are at the start and at the hut, really not much else to be fair.
Winter is said to be bad, snow makes this very hard especially near the top, mud can make it hard on the main trail too even in warmer conditions meaning you have to go slightly off the main trail.
There are many seriously steep sections in this route, usually safe if you take it slow, I don't recommend running most of it unless you are like a goat, when uncomfortable simply slow down. Snow and ice and rain can make this route treacherous so be careful ideally go in spring/summer good weather conditions.
Lake Hawea Hotel
1 Capell Ave, Lake Hawea, 9382 Wanaka, New Zealand
http://www.lakehawea.co.nz/
Head to the Stags Head for a well earned pint after this shindig
Sailz Lake Hawea Restaurant
33 Capell Avenue, Lake Hawea
https://www.sailzlakehawea.co.nz/
Usually the main place anyone from out of town will go to there is a general store here too, great for stocking up on supplies.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Breast Hill Blast
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Awesome. Tough climb up but beautiful views. I managed to run almost 3/4 off the return trip.
January 2, 2023
Beautiful views on every step of this trail. Steep switchback section to start, followed by some pretty technical and overgrown parts to the hut. From the hut it’s plain sailing to the trig, the track gets easier and less steep. I definitely took a different trail at parts on the way down! The track isn’t always the easiest to follow exactly, so keep your eyes peeled for the markers and you should be alright. Agree with the description to take your time, especially on the descent as there’s some hairy bits and some scree to navigate. Worth every second of work for the stunning views over Lake Hawea and over to Mt Aspiring.
December 26, 2021
Awesome and challenging track...I got to the hut just in time for the sunrise, pretty amazing way to start the day!!!
May 11, 2021
TM
Did this in January and really enjoyed it. For me it was more of a hike and scramble than a run, got a bit of a trot on for parts of the downhill so I'm claiming it as a trail run.
Epic views from the top and some impressive rock formations make the peak well worth it, and the hut just over the ridge makes for a great pitstop.
I did Isthumus Peak a couple of days before which I'd say is way more runnable, but I enjoyed Breast Hill more.
January 14, 2021
These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.
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