Last Updated: 24th Apr 2024
Tahurangi Traverse
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 24th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 39 ?
8.0km
575m
575m
1554m
Last Updated: 24th Apr 2024
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 24th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 39 ?
8.0km
575m
575m
1554m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +17.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -17.4%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Start on the Translator Rd. Its a gravel 4WD track that winds its way up the mountain towards the TV translator and Tahurangi Lodge (private hut). Steep gravel track until the 'Puffer' - a very steep concrete track following the final ridge up to the translator. Pass by Tahurangi Lodge heading on the summit track but take the first right hand track onto the 'Round the Mountain' track heading towards Holly Hut, passing through Hongis valley. Follow this track around the mountain descending Jacobs Ladder at the junction with the Holly Hut track. Turn right and head down the track back to North Egmont.
Trail takes you up fairly high on the mountain.
Lots of parking available at the visitors centre but in peak season on good weather days this can become limited.
29 km
30 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Easy to follow the track but it can be rough in places.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
None available
During winter it does snow on the trail or lie in the valleys making it difficult to pass without appropriate mountaineering gear. Some parts of the trail are very exposed.
General mountain alpine environment hazards
Cafe at North Egmont Visitors Centre
North Egmont
Nice spot to warm up before the drive home
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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The track has changed a bit and the "Jacob's ladder" part is now closed. The track veers off just before it. Signposted so no issues for navigation. Ran it in reverse to give the quads a good workout going down the Puffer.
August 5, 2022
Known by family as "jacob's ladder" circuit after the ladder at the junction of Tracks. We ran this in reverse - up the track and down the puffer/translator road. Up includes lots of stairs in the bush which is nice and sheltered and shaded. Once out of the bushline and onto the ridge it's pretty exposed to wind and sun. Underfoot is plenty of volcanic rock which can be slippery at times - watch your feet. Lovely views of the mountain and over the plains.
January 6, 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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