Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Call me Herbert

Oamaru, Otago

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 42 ?

6.9km

410m

410m

270m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Run Makeup

10%
40%
30%
20%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

From the carpark there are two entrances to Swallow Track, take the left hand one and follow some lovely trail which gradually starts to climb a bit more steeply with more than a few steps thrown in. Take time to have a quick look at the wee cave that is clearly signposted, nothing special but worth a look.

After 1.5km you come to an intersection, right takes you back to the carpark and we are going down there later, but for now, turn left and follow the single trail to the forestry road, if you look straight ahead of you you will see the sign for the trails... take the time here to note where you come onto the road as it is not signposted on the way back. Head up the road for about 400m and you will see a large sign for Podocarp Track.... head in there and down... let loose and enjoy the down, as you will be coming back up later.

After about 300m you will come to another intersection, turn right onto Glenburnie Loop and follow this to the end, there are no side trails so all easy. At the end of Glenburnie are a series of signs, you are taking the "Podocarp to Swallows Track" direction (unless you feel like exploring). This trail will eventually go past the Glenburnie turn-off we took earlier and spit you back out on the forestry road... but not before a whole lot of stream crossings, all dry-feet ones though with a bit of care.

On the road turn left and re-trace your steps to the first sign we came to (at 1.5km) and take the left hand trail to complete the Swallow Track and take you back to the car - with a couple of helter-skelter downhills.

Some amazing Podocarps, a cute wee 'semi-cave' and lots of birdlife.

Room for about 8 cars comfortably in the carpark

27 km

24 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Very patchy.

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 bag, Cellphone, Map.

Water at several place on the run

The trail can become very slippery on a wet winter day, especially the final downhills.

Several places with narrow tracks and fall-offs. Also stream crossings and green rocks should always get your respect.

Trail Legend

CK

Claudia Kelly

has completed Call me Herbert once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Nice tour through pines and natives, accompanied by the occasional tui and the beating of pigeon wings. Considerable mud and slippery bits after recent rain but the description did give me fair warning so no complaints there. I did it Christmas Eve 2022 and it appeared that Santa's elves had trimmed gorse and trackside vegetation in the last day or two - many thanks to the lovely people who keep these tracks in order for us!

Sharyn Price

December 28, 2022

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