Last Updated: 10th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Rock Peak Track

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Mal Law

Last Updated: 10th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 27 ?

Gnarl Factor: 12 ?

22.2km

950m

1450m

1600m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

90%
10%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:15

Fast

Start from the Crown Saddle end as this gives you 500m of nett descent.
From the car park cross the stile on to the signposted 4WD track that zigzags its way up the hill. You stay on this the whole way along the first 18 kms - it undulates, sometimes drops in front or behind the main ridge, and sometimes on the ridge itself.
Over kms 16-18 the trail starts dropping to Tuohys Saddle. At the point where the Roaring Meg Pack Track joins from the right cross the stile and turn right for a short uphill to another junction (don't follow the equally obvious but unsigned 4WD track that is straight ahead/bearing left.)
At this next junction turn left and start the long downhill into the valley. Follow the poled across fields at the end to reach the car park where you hopefully dropped a car a few hours beforehand.

This trail includes the peaks Quartz Knoll and Mount Allen .

Stunning views for miles around in every direction, including deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

You'll need to shuttle cars for this one. Leave one car at the start/finish of the Roaring Meg Pack Track (take the gravel road off Cardrona Rd as if heading for the Snow Farm but take the first right off this after just a hundred metres or so, then follow signs through a couple of gates.) Your other car can take you to the summit of the Crown Range where there's a large car park.

38 km

32 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

When not covered in snow the track is very obvious and well signposted so shouldn't present any navigational difficulties. However, in snow or with poor visibility navigation can be much harder as there's a notable lack of route poles along the way.

Generally good.

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

There are no reliable sources of drinking water along the route. Take your own with you.

This is an exposed route, so whatever the weather is doing you'll know all about it. Be prepared for anything, especially wind chill.

The exposure of the route is the main thing to be aware of. Go prepared.

Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Village
http://cardronahotel.co.nz
Historic pub with the best beer garden in NZ, a roaring fire, good selection of drinks and food. The perfect post-run refuelling spot!

Trail Legend

Kerryn Stewart

Kerryn Stewart

has completed Rock Peak Track twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great track with amazing views and 4 peaks to bag also!!

Adam Clifford

May 15, 2022

I did this in reverse and finished at the Crown Range carpark. I was surprised how scenic it got along the top section, it felt like you were in the middle of nowhere. Really enjoyable little run.

Isaac Walker

February 26, 2019

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