Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Takaka Hill Walkway
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
5.8km
280m
280m
944m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
5.8km
280m
280m
944m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%
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1:10
Slow
0:50
Moderate
0:35
Fast
From the carpark head up the 4WD track to the top of the hill. Once there you will see a trail sign heading straight ahead. From here you follow the marker poles through some cool and rugged technical trail which eventually spits you out back onto the 4WD track.
Head up that to the top of the hill, you will see a sign pointing right for the track... ignore that for now... carry straight on to the top of the hill, take in the views, even on a bad day you will get some. Then head back to the sign and follow the sign onto some magic trail, native bush, rocks, grassy bits, tomos... a bit of everything. The trail from here is pretty clear - a combination of the marker poles you have seen up to now and the famous orange triangles. Eventually, a bit over 5km you will come out onto the 4WD track, turn right and follow it back to the carpark.
Amazing karst (rock) formations. Fantastic views (on a good day) over the Takaka Valley and over Nelson.
Lots of tomos (vertical caves).
Native snails and fantastic technical running.
Good sized off road carpark that would take quite a few cars
24 km
34 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
A couple of places early on where the next pole is not visible, take your time and you will find it.
Very patchy.
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
Not really any obvious water
None, the area drains well after rain.
Lots of the trail is technical and semi-technical with rocks and roots being the main dangers. Treat them with respect and you will be fine. Stay back from the tomos, many of them go down for hundreds of feet.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
To get a valid FKT you must do the short out & back to the trig
You and Takaka Hill Walkway
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Not my cup of tea. Nice views from the top but the trail has zero flow and needs a good trim
March 31
What a weird and interesting landscape. Loved the variety. Great views from the top! Minimal gorse at the moment, easily avoided.
November 13
A nice loop with different terrain to explore: initially rocky and quite open but then you head into a pretty forest. The gorse is unavoidable in places - long sleeves and leggings recommended!
May 2, 2021
Super convenient run when crossing Takaka hill, shame about all the gorse in places- maybe wearing long trousers would have been smart!
April 19, 2021
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