Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Lake Dive Circuit

Stratford, Taranaki

Submitted by Malcolm Law

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 29

Gnarl Factor: 78

12.6km

Length of run

845m

Total Ascent

845m

Total Descent

1480m

Highest point

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Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Volcanic

Run Makeup

10%

15%

65%

10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.8%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

3:15

Slow

2:30

Moderate

1:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the car park take the Fanthams Peak Track. It soon starts heading uphill and before long you'll turn left off it, following the signpost to Lake Dive Hut.
The going is about to get rough and a sign early on warns that "sections of this track may be eroded. Expect steep & slippery terrain in places. Navigation may be difficult"... they're not kidding! It's an adventure as you follow what's left of the track, cutting across the grain of the land in and out of creek beds, but it's fun just so long as you're not in a big hurry.

Eventually you'll reach Lake Dive Hut and from there start heading uphill in a relentless climb that will bring you to the high level round-the-mountain track. Turn right. You're now in open tussock country, following rough trail on a poled route. Staying on track in low visibility requires care. After some 1.5k you'll reach another junction with Fanthams Peak Track - turn right and head downhill on a long series of boardwalk/steps. This is a great downhill run all the way back to the car park.

A classic circuit that takes in beautiful native forest, open tussock lands on the flanks of the mighty Taranaki and the challengingly steep terrain that links them together.

Transport and parking:

Dawson Falls is well signposted from Stratford

Distance from Stratford:

23 km

Driving time from Stratford:

24 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Well signposted, but the high, open section requires careful route-finding in bad weather as the poles marking the route are quite well spaced.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.

Availability of Water:

Plenty of stream water available most of the year round and tank water available at Dive Lake Hut

Seasonality Issues:

Can be very muddy after rain and snow/ice commonplace through late autumn - winter - early spring

Hazards:

Taranaki is a killer and even on the lower slopes it can be treacherous in bad weather. Always go prepared with lots of spare gear!

Trail Legend

Matt Verry

has completed Lake Dive Circuit once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.