Gibbs Hill LoopBeginner - Intermediate

Description

This is an easy to follow route, well sign posted with well graded trails. There are 5 climbs, the first and last being the biggest. Start at the Wainui car park and follow the 4wd along the flat then uphill for 2.8km to the Gibbs Hill saddle, you'll reach a fork, take the right turn and continue on uphill. This section starts undulating before a steepish last push up to the Gibbs Hill trig (5km climb in total). It is worth taking the small side track to see the views from the very top. Once you've taken in the views follow the 4wd down the hill towards Totaranui, it is steep and can be slippery in places, at the bottom you'll cross a small stream before coming out into a paddock. At the next junction take the left towards Anapai and Mutton Cove. Stay on this main track through the next two junctions still heading to Anapai. Along the beach at Anapai then back onto the track on the left, up the hill and eventually down into Mutton Cove. Run along the beach here (there's a toilet near to the next track entrance). Up the next hill and follow the track up and over to Whariwharangi, take in the beach on the right then the track up to the hut on the left. Take a few minutes to look at the historic hut before the final climb back to the saddle of Gibbs Hill, you'll recognise where you are from the beginning of the run, instead of going left back up the hill, this time take the right back down hill and to the car park.

Features of interest

There is a cool historic hut at Whariwharangi towards the end of the loop and before the last uphill

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 75%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 25%

Route Data