Pulpit Rock, Otago, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Beautiful trail through bush and ridges to peak

	Free	VIP
Unlimited browsing of trail and peak directory	—	✓
Full access to all trail and peak features	—	✓
Advanced search filters	—	✓
Wild Challenges access	—	✓
Shop discounts	—	✓
Partner store and event entry discounts	—	✓
Leaderboards, progress, tracking and FKTs	—	✓
and much more...	—	✓

Limited free views VIP is unlimited

Last Updated: 12th Jan 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open More info

Grunt Factor: 18 ?

Gnarl Factor: 39 ?

10.5km

Length of run

565m

Total Ascent

565m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

30%

70%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.70%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.70%

Garmin Course

VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.

Send to Garmin

Learn about sending to Garmin.

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:15

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Turn off the motorway near Waitati and drive about 7 kms on a gravel road. The trail head is sign posted on the left side of the road. The track starts in nice, protected bush and climbs up to Pulpit Rock. Some sections can be exposed in adverse weather. When you get to a track junction after about 5 kms, go up through a little path in the low growth to the top for stunning views of the region.
There are other tracks off the side and the end of this one.

This trail includes the peak Pulpit Rock.

No toilets.

Transport and parking:

You can park and turn around on the side of the gravel road.

Distance from Upper Waitati:

13 km

Driving time from Upper Waitati:

23 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

The track is well marked and very easy to follow. Keep an eye on distance from motorway and sign on gravel road for the start of the track.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

None.

Seasonality Issues:

Can be quick slippery when wet and muddy.

Blueskin Nurseries & Cafe
Waitati
https://www.blueskinnurseries.co.nz/
Handy and good!

Your Recommendation

Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?

Submit

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Pulpit Rock

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Pulpit Rock!

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Overlapping Trails

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.