Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
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4:30
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:15
Fast
From the DOC car park follow the orange markers to a river crossing within your first 200m. This is the only crossing until the other end.
The farmland is a bit overgrown with matagouri in places, so keep an eye out for the markers. Ascend to the ridge, turn left and enjoy views of the Pisa range as you head north towards Wanaka. After about 5.5k of ridge line (after you passed the trig ) look out for a sharp left farm track - it's easily missed!
Follow this grassy 4WD track down and follow the markers (which get a bit sparce) back down to the Cardrona river again. Get some wet feet and head right away from the river (towards the main road) Pick up the markers in the paddocks and follow these until you reach the DOC Little Criffle car park (The Larches end).
Great views!
13 km
11 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Generally an easy route to follow with the poles. Bit tricky in low cloud or if the poles are tucked away.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
You cross two working sheep farms, so best to take your own.
Route and ridge will be in snow in winter season.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Little Criffle A to B
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Great run with awesome views but as I did this in reverse the start of the descent is very overgrown and no room to get any pace up. Was still fun but probably recommend going the other way.
April 19, 2021