Last Updated: 12th Mar 2025
Classic Corner Peak
Submitted by Isaac Walker
Last Updated: 12th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 48 ?
Gnarl Factor: 78 ?
17.0km
1735m
1735m
1685m
Last Updated: 12th Mar 2025
Submitted by Isaac Walker
Last Updated: 12th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 48 ?
Gnarl Factor: 78 ?
17.0km
1735m
1735m
1685m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
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%
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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.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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The sketchiest part is still on the poled route - a short sidle on narrow, dusty and off-camber sheep tracks, with a bit of a high-consequence drop-off, but no real scrambling skills required - just some balance and sense. The worn-in track from the sign at the edge of the Hawea conservation park/end of poled route is very easy to follow in clear conditions, and getting up to the summit is non-technical.
February 10
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.
April 10, 2022
Unreal, super cool views, lots of tricky terrain, great if you love that stuff certainly not for the faint hearted!
June 8, 2020
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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