Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The Elephant
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 35
Gnarl Factor: 10
40.0km
680m
680m
351m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 35
Gnarl Factor: 10
40.0km
680m
680m
351m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +3.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -3.4%
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7:00
Slow
5:00
Moderate
3:30
Fast
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.
No public transport but plenty big car park
40 km
35 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
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.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
Take water with you as there is no water available and DON'T drink from any stream this is dairy farm country.
Trail is exposed in places so take windproof layer. !!
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.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Elephant
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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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