Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Pouakai Summit
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 36
Gnarl Factor: 70
16.7km
985m
985m
1378m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 36
Gnarl Factor: 70
16.7km
985m
985m
1378m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
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4:30
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Trail starts on the Mangorei Track (part of the Pouakai Crossing) up to Pouakai Hut. From there take the trail towards Holly Hut. Not far from there follow take the track signposted to Pouakai Summit. From that signpost the trail is fairly level crossing tussock and swampy areas to the base of the final peak. From here follow the poled route up to the summit trig. The old track here is very eroded and overgrown. Return via the same way.
Amazing views over the swamp towards Mt Taranaki
Parking on the side of the sealed road. You re not allowed to park on the gravel section of the road.
19 km
21 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Follow the signposts on the trails and then the old pole route markers for the final part up to the trig.
Patchy.
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.
Water available at Pouakai Hut.
Winter may have snow/ice in the area and the final climb is pretty exposed.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Pouakai Summit
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One of the best I’ve ever done. The views from the summit on a clear day are breathtaking! I also did the side track to the tarn for the view of Egmont reflected in the lake. Well worth it if you haven’t done that before. The trail itself is boardwalk to the hut, then a grunty tussocky climb from as you get closer to the summit - not very runnable. But an amazing route and I’m so pleased I got the opportunity to run up here
January 15, 2021
Awesome boardwalk for first half. Bit rough on second. Great long uphill. Just awesome. Easy access. Great carpark.
July 15, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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