Last Updated: 28th Dec 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Whare Flat to Pulpit Rock

Mosgiel, Otago

Submitted by Dan Boulton

Last Updated: 28th Dec 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 34 ?

Gnarl Factor: 46 ?

20.4km

1015m

1015m

753m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
80%
10%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

From the car park, climb the fence and head up the 4WD track for about 1.2km. You will see the track drop down close to the river, with an option to cross over. Cross here, you will know you are in the right place as there is a old broken concrete structure in the river which you can use to hop across the river.

Follow the track for a further 1km, where you will see a sign saying Powder Ridge Track. Once on this track you climb steeply at first, all the way up the ridge line for about 5km. At 7.2km you will reach an overgrown 4WD track, turn right onto this and head up this. After another 3km you will reach Pulpit Rock. This track has recently been cut/mowed, but there are multiple tiny stumps and holes to watch out for underfoot. Just before Pulpit Rock you will come to a large junction of the Silver Peak Trails. Make sure you clamber up small trail to left that takes you up on to the Rock itself. Return is the same way back, the 5km ridge line is one of the best and fastest trails around. Lots of fun.

This trail includes the peak Pulpit Rock.

Great ridge line run up to Pulpit Rock. Brilliant views of the Silver Peaks from atop of Pulpit Rock. Pulpit Rock is worth it in its own right, a massive rock out-crop.

Lots of parking.

11 km

14 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Cross the river 1.2km in where there is a concrete structure paying across the river. Continue on the track up the other side.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Only at the bottom via the river, not sure on drinkability.

Silver Peak Ranges are very susceptible to low cloud and weather can come in from the sea very quickly. Always check the weather and make sure you pack layers. I always use a watch with breadcrumbs or the ability to load the course before heading out, just so you can navigate back if you get caught in the cloud. I have had to do this once.

Clouds and low visibility. Change of weather.

Emmerson Brewery

Vogel St Kitchen

Wolf at the Door

Trail Legend

AH

Alex Herder

has completed Whare Flat to Pulpit Rock 4 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great trail that really makes you work for the views. Was in pretty good condition but some spots of pretty intense pig rooting. Super fun to let yourself go and fly down on the way back.

William Hart

June 6, 2022

Great trail (and even better now that Long Ridge has been cleared). Powder ridge is a and awesome piece of single track through the Bush. Great views once up the top at Pulpit.

Isaac Walker

June 9, 2020

Beautiful bush, great views as always in these hills.

Paul Forbes

May 4, 2020

Good run in the bush.

Ben Walker

December 28, 2019

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