Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Mt Pisa via Kirtle Burn Track

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Sierra Alef-Defoe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 25

Gnarl Factor: 6

24.0km

Length of run

725m

Total Ascent

725m

Total Descent

1928m

Highest point

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

100%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -5.9%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:00

Moderate

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From Snow Farm, follow signs for "Meadow Hut"/"easiest track to all huts"/"River Run."

At about 3.5 km, pass Meadow Hut. Just after Meadow Hut, a 4wd track with a DOC sign labeling Pisa Conservation Area leads towards Kirtle Burn hut. After Kirtle Burn Hut it's a further 2.5 km up to the Mt Pisa summit.

The summit itself is the top of a large boulder, scramble up it to find a tiny LINZ plaque (no trig).

On the way back, instead of turning back down to Kirtle Burn hut, make things interesting by following the trail straight instead; it will drop you back down in Snow Farm just a little further along from Meadow Hut.

Head back towards Meadow Hut and back out the way you came!

Other-worldly rock formations.

Distance from Wanaka:

37 km

Driving time from Wanaka:

41 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Near the summit, this trail connects with 4WD tracks traversing the Pisa range where you could go north to Queensberry or south to Kawarau Gorge. Go back down the way you came unless you wish for a longer mission!

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone.

Availability of Water:

It's possible to get water from both the Kirtle Burn and Roaring Meg.

Seasonality Issues:

This track can only be done on foot in the summertime. When Snow Farm is open, it could be done by snow shoe or cross country ski. The Pisa ridgeline has no tree cover, so you're very exposed to wind, rain, sun, etc. And near winter season, there can be snow!

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