Pirongia West Loop, Waikato, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Quiet gravel road that runs through bush and farmland with long gradual runable hills.

Okupata Crossroads

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Last Updated: 25th Sep 2026

Beginner

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Grunt Factor: 26 ?

Gnarl Factor: 6 ?

32.0km

Length of run

980m

Total Ascent

980m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

20%

80%

Sealed Road

Gravel / Boardwalk

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.10%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.10%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:45

Moderate

2:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Start going down Pirongia West Road, which is the gravel road to the right of the large Okupata Crossroads sign. This will take you anti clockwise round the loop.

The first section takes you through farmland and bush at the base of Pirongia Forest Park. After about 6km of undulating gravel road you will start the long gradual downhill that goes for around 10km.

Enjoy the farmland views out to the west coast. When you get to the end of the road after about 20km, turn left onto the sealed Okupata Road. This eventually turns back into gravel.

Save some gas in the tank for the final 6km which is a steady but runable uphill climb. Just keep following the road until you get back to the Okupata Crossroads sign where you started.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

There's no actual car park here, but there's room to park on the roadside next to the yellow road signs and the Okupata Crossroad sign.

Distance from Ōpārau:

14 km

Driving time from Ōpārau:

25 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

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