Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Salisbury over Arthur

Motueka, Tasman

Submitted by Mike Steel

Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 59 ?

Gnarl Factor: 66 ?

28.0km

1350m

1350m

1795m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Mountainous

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Other

Run Makeup

30%
20%
25%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +16.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

6:00

Slow

4:45

Moderate

3:30

Fast

This circuit from Flora Saddle car park is a variation on "Arthur and Gordons". It follows the main track over Flora Saddle, which then leads gently downstream beside Flora Stream past the upper Gridiron Hut and Rock Shelters, then swings south-west and climbs gently up beside Balloon Creek, passing the Growler Rock Shelter, and heading towards Salisbury Hut.

Just before the hut, take the sign-posted turn off left which leads up the Gordon's pyramid route along towards Mt Arthur (if you need water - carry on to Salisbury hut, in which case you have the option of heading up onto the Gordon's pyramid route via the Sphinx Valley Cave as marked on the map). As you approach Mt Arthur, leave the trail and strike out directly up the delightful north-east ridge. Watch for hidden potholes! The route up the ride is fairly straightforward, with one short steepish section half-way up. The ridge narrows with a big drop on one side nearer to the top and running up this section is quite exciting. From the summit, it's then an exhilarating downhill run all the way back to the start (via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Saddle) on the well-marked and popular alpine trail. As a run, this particular circuit works better in the direction described here than in reverse.

Interesting karst landscape up high. Also very cute rock shelters passed on the way in. Wonderful views over the 'tablelands' and out to the coast.

A surprisingly big car park at the end of this steep twisting gravel road.

33 km

42 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Carry a compass and map in case cloud comes in. Start early (if thick cloud comes in on the Gordons Pyramid Route it may be best to stay on the track all the way to the main Mt Arthur trail).

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map.

Water from streams on the way in and at Salisbury Hut (and Mt Arthur Hut on the way down)

Will be in snow in winter! Best as a spring/summer/autumn run.

Watch for hidden potholes.

Trail Legend

Katie Smith

Katie Smith

has completed Salisbury over Arthur once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

10/10 good times! Great to start with 8k of downhill to loosen the legs. The Grinch sleepouts look cool. A little bit of a slog up to Gordon's but then great fun climbing up to Arthur's on the rock. All down hill fun to the car park.

Gregory Bassam

December 28

Awesome loop, tho I chickened out of the off route ridge climb due to winds and scarey looking terrain (I see someone has helpfully marked the turnoff with a wee cairn tho). This is definitely not one for the faint hearted. I would say this was 2/3 runnable and some hands and feet climbing on even the poled route. Made for a stunning overnighter.

Rebecca Sunderland

November 11, 2022

First third of the run is very runnable and there’s lots of cool things to see. Rock shelters and wee waterfalls. Second third of the run is very exposed but utterly beautiful. (Unfortunately the wind was so strong that I didn’t make the Mt Arthur summit). Final third of the run again is very runnable especially the last few kms down from Arthur’s Hut. One of my favourite runs to date, gorgeous views and varying terrain. What’s not to love!

Lauren Mai Anderson

November 14, 2021

Stunning day out! Such a lovely varied run, I especially enjoyed heading up the untracked spur to the summit, and then the sweet downhill from there. The beech forest single track climbing up from the low point was stunning too. Loads of bird life, but no whio today.

Katie Smith

December 29, 2020

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Overlapping Trails

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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