Mt. Patriarch (Tasman)Intermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Ian Gilmour
Intermediate - Experienced
Not Suitable (Slow)
9:00 (Moderate)
6:00 (Fast)
-11.8%
+15.1%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
From the marked start of Chummies track on the roadside, immediately start with a crossing of the Wangapeka River. Put yourself in second gear for a long, generally steady climb up a good track up the beautiful wooded ridge to Pt. 1292 (with a few steeper bits, and a few descents to keep things interesting).
Just past Pt. 1292 the track narrows considerably as you start the traverse along the steep hillside to John Reid Hut. Fill up with water at the hut as this is the last opportunity until Kiwi Saddle. Follow the snow poles straight up the hill from the hut to make the main ridge. From here turn left and generally follow the ridgeline, with a few sections where you'll need to drop down a gully to get over some bluffy bits - notably southwest of Pt. 1507. This is the highlight of the trip, with amazing views distracting you from some technical untracked ridge running.
Eventually you reach the start of the track down to Kiwi Saddle where it is decision time. If you have time and are still feeling good, make the steep climb through the spaniards to the summit of Mt Patriarch (lightly cairned) and return the same way. The views are amazing and definitely worth it, but keep in mind that you are not even half way distance-wise and likely time-wise too (depending on confidence on overgrown trails and fatigue during the 'easy trails')
After making the return trip to Patriarch, it's a marked track the rest of the way. Follow the track down to Kiwi Saddle hut, at first steeply down then undulating along and around the ridgeline. From the hut it's a steady descent down to the Wangapeka River/Kiwi Stream confluence. This section would be very runnable if it weren't for the copious amount of hook grass and other foliage covering the track as of writing (March 2021).
After crossing two large swingbridges over Kiwi Stream and the Wangapeka, you're on the Wangapeka Track - turn left to get back to the car. Keep your eyes peeled for Whio as you run through the easiest section of the trail, although the small climbs in the undulations certainly take their toll after 30km! The end point is Rolling River Carpark, where you'll either meet the second car, stashed bike, or have another 5ish km along the gravel road.
Trail Community
Features of interest
360 degree views from Mt Patriarch, beautiful ridgelines to get there. Whio along the Wangapeka on the way out
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 20%
Technical Single Track: 30%
Moderate Single Track: 25%
Easy Single Track: 25%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each
Blue Ducks & Cecil King's Hut
Length: 23.30km
Photos:
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Access
Access to the trail is from Wangapeka River Road, west of Tapawera.
Chummies track start is marked, about 5 km before the Rolling River Carpark finish point.Limited roadside parking at the start of Chummies Track. There is ample parking at Rolling River Carpark. Either stash a second car or a bike at Rolling River Carpark, or tack on an extra 5km along the gravel road. Be aware of the water level at the concrete ford at the Wangapeka/Dart junction on the drive in, as it can become impassible after heavy rain.
14 km
35 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Hard.
In clear weather, the general navigation is pretty simple along the unmarked ridgeline. In cloud/clag the navigation will be more difficult unless you know what you are doing. The rest of the track is marked with orange blazes and is generally pretty easy to follow.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, 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 bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Water at John Reid Hut (via stream) and Kiwi Saddle Hut (general DOC disclaimers on boil first, routinely ignored). No water between these two points, but plenty of water after Kiwi Saddle Hut.
Care needs to be taken in all seasons in NZ Alpine environments. This track is no different.
Take care in the route selection between John Reid Hut and Mt Patriarch to avoid bluffy bits.
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See other runs nearby:
Blue Ducks & Cecil King's Hut
Mt Owen via Granity Pass
Tapawera Taster
