Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

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Cardrona to Meg Hut

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

Open

Grunt Factor: 24

Gnarl Factor: 16

18.5km

920m

920m

1189m

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

18%
6%
70%
6%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:45

Fast

Starting at the Cardrona Hotel (you can start directly at Tuhoys Gully but I thought I'd include it from Cardrona to make things easier - 1.5km from Tuhoys carpark) you head down the road towards Wanaka. Turn off at entrance to Snow Park and then take a right turn after crossing the bridge. The entrance to the track start is on the left and is signposted. Once you are on the track, follow the poles for the first part through the paddock then over the stile and follow the farm track all the way. Once at Tuhoys Saddle, take the left hand option to pop over the hill and down to Meg Hut. A great spot for a nice snack break and wee explore (with many runs possible from this point if you're inclined) and then head back up to the saddle and back the way you came.
The bonus of starting at the Hotel is that it provides you with a great spot for after run refreshments.

Open Central Otago country, great views.
Good quality DOC hut to visit.

Heaps of parking in public area, so should be safe, just keep valuables out of sight.

24 km

19 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .

Patchy.

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

Roaring Meg creek next to Hut.

Snow on route during winter.

Cardrona Hotel
2312 CARDRONA VALLEY ROAD, RD2, WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND
http://cardronahotel.co.nz/
Ease of access. Plus, its the Cardrona Hotel, it'd be rude not to! :)

Trail Legend

Richele McKenzie

Richele McKenzie

has completed Cardrona to Meg Hut once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Amazing spot great wee trail. Loved it

Adam Clifford

September 1, 2022

Gorgeous hut, in a stunning location. Stayed there for the evening and watched the valley turn pink 😍 a relentless, but easy underfoot, climb.

Lauren Mai Anderson

February 22, 2022

I really enjoyed this trail especially descending down towards Meg hut. A very central Otago scene! A nice easy (as far as local climbs are here) climb and a well marked/formed track makes it very hard to get lost

Rachel Bridgewater

May 15, 2020

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