Last Updated: 1st Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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The Elephant

Oamaru, Otago

Submitted by Stu Houston

Last Updated: 1st Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 35 ?

Gnarl Factor: 10 ?

40.0km

Length of run

680m

Total Ascent

680m

Total Descent

351m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

13%

15%

10%

57%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +3.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -3.4%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

7:00

Slow

5:00

Moderate

3:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Park at the Elephant Rocks carpark and take a wander down to look at the rocks to warm up. Then follow the Alps To Ocean Trail all the way to the old Rakis rail Tunnel and turn around after running through it.

The trail is pretty much a gravel cycling trail although there are sections that you follow roads. The trail is well sign posted but carry a map. The trail is undulating with many hills but they are nice gradients. The road sections of the trail are a bit of a pain but the trail sections make it worth the hassle and are great running. You don't have to do the full 20km - even just the first 6 km from the rocks is on a sweet little trail !!

Elephant Rocks at start are pretty neat and there are many cliffs along the way which have fossils to see. Run through the old Rakis rail tunnel at the turn around.

Transport and parking:

No public transport but plenty big car park

Distance from Oamaru:

40 km

Driving time from Oamaru:

35 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Take a map - the trail is well sign posted but signs go missing so better to be safe as this area is a labyrinth of roads.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Take water with you as there is no water available and DON'T drink from any stream this is dairy farm country.

Seasonality Issues:

Trail is exposed in places so take windproof layer. !!

Hazards:

Watch out for mountain bikers - this isn't a busy section of the Alps 2 Ocean but keep an ear open. Beware spring and nesting magpies - be ready to duck !!

Anything in Oamaru
Oamaru

Pink Pig
Duntroon
Great pies cafe isnt always open though.

Trail Legend

Raewyn Peters

has completed The Elephant once in the last year.

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