Last Updated: 27th Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Jack Hall's Saddle

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Isaac Walker

Last Updated: 27th Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 40

Gnarl Factor: 52

22.0km

Length of run

1250m

Total Ascent

1250m

Total Descent

1275m

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

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

30%

40%

30%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.9%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:45

Moderate

2:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

A very easy trail to follow. Follow the Motatapu Track signs and you can't go wrong! The track goes to the right-hand side of Fern Burn Hut and continues up to the saddle. Quite a few sidles on the way but some of the most gorgeous single track as well.

Fantastic forest running near the beginning. Pass by Fern Burn Hut. Some of the best single track in the country just before and after the hut up to the saddle.

Transport and parking:

Parking is pretty safe - I haven't heard of any issues here ever. You can ride a bike from Wanaka, hitch or use your own transport.

Distance from Wanaka:

15 km

Driving time from Wanaka:

17 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Nothing really! Follow the DOC signs and the track, can't go wrong!

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.

Availability of Water:

You follow the river for the majority of the way and plenty of opportunities to refill. Obviously not down where the cattle and sheep are grazing.
Water nearly always available at Fern Burn Hut too.

Seasonality Issues:

If wet it will be very slippery. In winter there will be snow and ice around - probably quite dangerous up the top section in bad conditions and would be unsuitable to do.

Hazards:

Some steep drops either side of the single track en-route.

Urban Grind
Ardmore St, Wanaka
http://www.urbangrind.co.nz
Good coffee, beer and tapas style food.

The Big Fig
Ardmore St, Wanaka
http://bigfig.co.nz/
Great homey cooked meals, good coffee.

Trail Legend

Malcolm Law

has completed Jack Hall's Saddle once in the last year.

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