Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Omarama Saddle (Broken Hut Road Entry)

Omarama, Otago

Submitted by Renee Ferguson

Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 29 ?

Gnarl Factor: 14 ?

21.6km

1140m

1140m

1730m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:30

Fast

Easy to follow, this was mapped heading right from the carpark and along the 4wd track, many stream crossings (most could jump without getting wet). It follows the valley before the climb up towards Top Hut.  At Omarama saddle turn left on Saddle Ridge Track and climb to the main ridge. Follow the track along the ridge in a NE direction. Beautiful views along the top. Again at the DOC sign turn left down the hill to the carpark. A lot of climbing but never really really steep. I mapped this with a lot of snow on the ground so very slow time - I would expect much quicker on dry ground.

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Plenty of parking - it is a bit remote

16 km

25 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

There are a few farm roads that come off this - the rule is to remember to just keep going up until you find the doc sign (about 9.5km from the start) and when going over the saddle you are mostly following the fenceline, so dont stray too far from this - use the most obvious farm track

Non-existent.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal 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 bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters

Plenty of streams - not sure of the quality but all looked crystal clear and not much sign of stock further up so I would drink from them if necessary

Heavy snow in winter - can get very cold up the top, compulsory gear is a must

A few spaniards (spear grass), and as always be aware of stock

Trail Legend

Mike McManaway

Mike McManaway

has completed Omarama Saddle (Broken Hut Road Entry) once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great loop, amazing views. Loved it!
Thanks Renee.

Lucy Mills

October 20, 2020

Amazing views all the way. We had two horse riders with us and had to go really slow over the icy snow up the top but still very enjoyable. It was calm in the valley that day but freezing gale force winds up the top so make sure you take the right cloths with you! Highly recommend this run!

Jana Becker

September 15, 2020

I have run this a number of times and prefer the opposite direction to the one described but it is good both ways. It is fun in the dry or with snow but is very exposed both to the wind and the sun so take the necessary precautions, no drinkable water on the trail.

Fiona Stechmann

March 22, 2020

Awesome high country run. Lots of climbing, stunning views both sides of the Hawkdun Ranges.

Dan Boulton

December 30, 2018

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