Last Updated: 3rd Dec 2024

Very Experienced

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I've done it Done

Dusky Track

Bluff, Southland

Submitted by Andy Magness

Last Updated: 3rd Dec 2024

Very Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 128 ?

Gnarl Factor: 78 ?

84.0km

1800m

1800m

1200m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Coastal

Riverside

Lakeside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

5%
80%
15%

Gravel Road

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

48:00

Moderate

30:00

Fast

Considered the hardest 'track' in New Zealand. Lots of mud. Track well marked in most places and easy to follow if you pay attention. A hut on each end and six huts along the way for those that aren't keen to run it and would rather tramp.

Bush, waterfalls, tops, lots of birds, heaps of three wire bridges. A few sandflies if you stop. Good fun.

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.

Need to organize boat ride across lake Hauroko to start (can usually park at Clifden and get a ride from there from the transport operator). At the end can catch a lift on the Real Journeys boat back across Lake Manapouri . Then also sort a ride back to your vehicle.

0 km

0 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Non-existent.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters

Plenty along the route. Too much maybe!

Be prepared for floods and the necessity of swimming sections of the track after heavy rain. Or stay in a hut and wait for rivers to drop. Winter snows can block the passes or make them require alpine experience to cross.

Flooding, steep sections, rough terrain, and plenty of mud

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Trail Reviews

Great area to visit...Cannot imagine trying run this one. I did it as a hike..

Martin Trvaj

October 5, 2019

Simply one of the most stunning adventures in NZ. Would be only a few who would do this in one hut,the huts are great so make the most of them folks!

Tony Sharpe

September 23, 2019

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