Mole Jamieson LoopIntermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Stu Houston
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushRiversideOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
3:30 (Slow)
2:30 (Moderate)
1:30 (Fast)
-11.5%
+12.1%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Please set your gender to see your position on the FKT leaderboards.
Men
Women
Filter FKTs
The more , the harder the FKT will be to beat. Learn about Fastest Known Times.
Description
At the start of the Mole track you cross the Mole Stream, then follow the well marked trail (orange markers) climbing up through farmland into beech forest until the track drops down into the Mole Stream, which you now follow up to its head on the open rocky riverbed. Because you're in the riverbed markers are limited but you will spot the occasional one attached to trees on the sides.
Eventually you come to a fork in the stream and there are orange track markers on the left stream. The track climbs out of the streambed but follows it up to the cute little Mole Hut .You are now on the open tussock and the track goes through thick tussock following snow poles to Mole Saddle . At the saddle the track goes north up onto a high point. Turn off left (west) onto the Jamesons Track which is marked with snow poles. The ridge before the bushline has awesome views - soak it in before the long descent down Jameson Ridge. The ridge takes you back down to the Tutaki road turn left onto the road to your car.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Lovely open alpine tops with great views.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 14%
Technical Single Track: 16%
Moderate Single Track: 60%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 10%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
Your Trail Wishlist
All the runs that are on your To Do list (no limit).
Add to wishlist view wishlistWild Explorers
I did it!-
Access
Turn off SH 6 at Longford, 3km east of Murchison, onto Mangles Valley Road follow this to Tutaki - turn right (south) onto Tutaki Road South & follow this for about 16kms. Watch for the DOC signs (on left) - first will be for the Jameson Track - carry on 100m to the DOC sign for the Mole Track. You can park by either sign and do this loop either direction.
No public transport and parking for a couple of cars though you have the choice of 2 parking areas ...parking on side of road. Safe area.
35 km
43 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Hard.
If you're worried about navigation its best to do this trip in reverse to how I've described (clockwise) but definitely take a topo map and route desciption.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Compass, Map, Gaiters.
The Mole Stream track has lots of water but Jameson ridge is dry.
Exposed on tops so take windproof jacket as minimum. Snow up here in winter - I did this trip in winter and used spikes on my running shoes. It was awesome!!
Don't go if heavy rain - you have to cross the Mole stream many times! If there's hunters vehicles in carpark wear fluro especially during the roar March April May.
-
Post run indulgence
Rivers Cafe
Murchison Fairfax street
Best in TownFlat Rock Cafe
Kohatu junction
If going on to Nelson or Motueka stop here awesome food and great location -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Kahikatea Trail
Six Mile - Matakitaki Walk, Murchison
Poor Petes
Johnson Creek Track
