Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Welcome Rock - Roaring Lion Trail

Garston, Southland

Submitted by Gary Ludlow

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 35 ?

Gnarl Factor: 14 ?

27.0km

650m

650m

1132m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

6:00

Slow

4:00

Moderate

2:30

Fast

Can be run either in clockwise or anti. 21kms of singletrack, with 6kms of gravel road.
All on top and around tussock hill tops on a clearly marked route.
Runners must contact owners in advance as payment is required to run, cycle or hike the route.
Huts available.
Clean creek drinking water along the way.
Trail exposed to the weather, limited shade or shelter.

Old mine workings, private huts, old water race.

Park at the ski hut.

9 km

15 minutes

Unknown

Yes
Name: Tom at Welcome Rock
Telephone: 027 406 7334

Moderate.

Track well worn and limited chances to venture off.
Tom the owner would probably brief do's/don'ts on new trail users.

Patchy.

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

Water available from the private huts, and clean creeks along the 2nd half if running anti-clockwise.

Exposed hill top running, limited shade or shelter apart from huts.
Winter may be an issue due to road being closed or snow on tops.

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Trail Reviews

Enjoyable alpine trail with great views. Clockwise looks more sensible as it get the road section over and done with, and finishes with Welcome Rock then 2kms down. (I went anti-clockwise as I was with MTBikers. Note that MTB may well be slower than running if inexperienced) Beware the water supply... the first stream was >10km from the start, and the water was turned off at the mud cottage (turn it on at the tank and below the sink; two valves!) All in all a great day out!

Bryan Stout

March 22, 2021

Did it 2 weeks ago, anticlockwise. Just a great day out with awesome views. Kudos to the builders of both, the water race 100 years ago, and the current track!

Paul Wieland

May 18, 2020

Simply the greatest trail in the area. You get it all - runnable stuff, beautiful views, native bush, amazing huts, and a bit of history too. I would recommend doing it clockwise from the ski hut, as the road section feels absolutely endless on tired legs so better to get it out of the way to start with!

Fleur Douglas

January 30, 2020

In the hood for some local fun run so tought it would be rude not to include the trail in the fun Haha

Tony Sharpe

January 21, 2020

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