Last Updated: 27th Apr 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Classic Corner Peak

Lake Hawea, Otago

Submitted by Isaac Walker

Last Updated: 27th Apr 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 48 ?

Gnarl Factor: 78 ?

17.0km

1735m

1735m

1685m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

5%
10%
25%
40%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +21.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -21.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

7:00

Slow

5:00

Moderate

3:00

Fast

From the Timaru River carpark (don't stand around too long otherwise you will be dinner for the sandflies) head across the bridge up the hill and within 100m there will be the start of the trail on the right hand side. A good warm up through some native bush will lead you on a poled route onto a 4wd track. 1.5km from the start you will see a DOC Corner Peak sign detailing how only really cool people can go on past that point and that Wild Things attire is recommended (beanie, buff, top etc).

Now the fun begins. Up, up, up you go. In low light/darkness keep a good eye on the orange poles as they are easy to lose. The route now is pretty straight forward. Some sections you will have multiple options to choose from - pick the one your gut chooses and you will most likely end up on the path again. just don't lose those orange poles. There are some amazing single track sections enroute - and some pretty hairy sections as well so keep your wits about you.

When you hop the last fence around 3/4 into the run and see Hawea Conservation Park sign (detailing that the poled route ends there) - TURN RIGHT. DO NOT go up the ridge as you will only get yourself into trouble. So follow the faint foot/goat track around the right. This track will sidle under a dodgy ridge that you don't want to climb over. If you lose the track at times aim a little higher and you should either see the track again pretty easily below you or you will come across it as it climbs slowly. You will then start heading up to the saddle just below Corner Peak. From the saddle it is pretty much a straight shot up to the summit! Enjoy!

This trail includes the peak Corner Peak.

Gorgeous views back down Timaru River towards Lake Hawea. 360 views once at summit.

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.

Timaru River Carpark. Plenty of parking. Add some more kms and run/ride from Hawea!

10 km

15 minutes

No

No

Hard.

Upon reaching the end of the poled route (Hawea Conservation Park sign just across fence) turn right and follow the faint foot/goat track around to the right. DO NOT go up the ridge, you will only get yourself into trouble up here. The track will sidle around the large ridge.

Patchy.

Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece 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 blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters

Zero water sources, take all water.

Definitely not recommended during winter or when there is snow and ice on the peaks/ridges (unless you have solid mountaineering experience). Snow grass/tussock can get very slippery in spots and track can be muddy/slippery after substantial rain.

There are some sketchy sections on the trail that change with conditions (slips, small rock slides etc) so be careful and watch your footing. Stick to the track at all times and don't go ridge running/climbing (like I did).

Sailz Cafe
Hawea
https://www.sailzlakehawea.co.nz/
Big home cooked meals and great coffee.

Trail Legend

Brook van Reenen

Brook van Reenen

has completed Classic Corner Peak 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Definitely a good one to take your poles on and plenty of water, as mentioned options are limited.
Views just keep getting better and better and from the top are just amazing. Choose a nice calm, clear day and it will be breathtaking.

Wendy Hawkes

April 10, 2022

Unreal, super cool views, lots of tricky terrain, great if you love that stuff certainly not for the faint hearted!

André Chalmers

June 8, 2020

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