Last Updated: 12th Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Bell Blast

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Emma Dryland

Last Updated: 12th Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 50 ?

11.5km

225m

225m

260m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

With permit

Native bush

Riverside

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

35%
5%
60%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:15

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

From the car park cross over the road and head up stream. This gravel farm track continues for 2 km before reaching the bush line. Following the signs marked Kahikatea tree/Bell track turn right in to the native bush. There are a couple of small intersections before you reach the start of Bell track. Again veer right and follow the signs. Turn right on to Bell Track and continue along past the caves, here is when the single track begins. Follow the orange markers. Bell Track follows Blue Bull Stream with some small hills and lots of mud for a few kms. Staying on the same side of the stream, continue past the swing bridge 500m to reach the Kahikatea tree. Then just head back the way you came.

There are two extra special things to check out on this run.
Firstly the Kaniwhaniwha caves. This is a 5 minute detour though a small cave right next to the Bell track junction off the Nikau walk. Pack a torch or cellphone.
Secondly at the turn around point stands the tallest Kahikatea tree! At 66.5m its hard to miss.

Long drops at Kaniwhaniwha Reserve (start point) and at the campsite 2.5Km in.

31 km

31 minutes

With Permit

No

Moderate.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Pack your own

Expect more mud and wetness after rain or during winter.

Pirongia Village Cafe
756 Franklin Road, Pirongia
Great coffee. Plus while you are there 'bag' the relocated Mt Pirongia trig. Just across the road- on the flat.

Trail Legend

Hamon McKay

Hamon McKay

has completed Bell Blast 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Lots of mud! That'll teach me for going on a rainy August day. Lots of tree roots too! Fun for scrambling, and helped me appreciate the more runnable bits. Cool swing bridge and info about the tallest Kahikatea tree at the other end. Worth doing 🌳💕

Angela Buchanan

August 12

Used this trail as a recovery session after day before killer session. Brilliant choice for this option.

Brendon Pascoe

April 18, 2022

This is a really good trail. First 2km is nice flat run where you can really boost it before hitting the bush. The bush has heaps of roots for the most part and is quite technical at times so watch your footing. There are some little climbs which make it a good workout too. Beautiful surroundings (river, epic tree at the end).. overall 5 stars

James Gribble

March 28, 2021

Great run. Good warm up section. Not too muddy in summer. You can actually run in a few sections.

Karen Koch

February 27, 2021

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