Nikau Loop & Kaiwhaniwha CavesBeginner
Submitted by Anna O'Brien
Beginner
1:00 (Slow)
0:45 (Moderate)
0:35 (Fast)
-4.1%
+4.1%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
Very easy to navigate. Follow the 4WD track alongside the river for 2.5km. (This track can also be cycled). Green signs clearly mark the route. The Nikau loop is a pleasant single track through native bush, mostly flat and non-technical. The Nikau loop is approximately 1.5km, so complete as many loops as required before returning along the 4WD track beside the river.
A small detour to the dark and interesting Kaiwhaniwha caves takes only a few minutes, but is worth it to climb through the 20 meter cave, at least once.
Toilets can be found at the Kaiwhaniwha campsite at the end of the 4WD track, just before the native bush section, as well as at the start of the track.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Kaiwhaniwha caves are an interesting small detour. 20 meters to clamber through, quite dark and muddy, likely to get wet feet.
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 45%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 55%
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
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Access
Kaiwhaniwha car park is on the right just before a bridge on Limeworks loop road. To start the track, cross the road by the bridge and follow the river.
Off-road parking for 40+ cars on a remote rural road.
31 km
32 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Very patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone.
Take own water.
Can be muddy during winter. Runnable all year.
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Post run indulgence
The Nest
765 Franklin Street, Pirongia
https://www.facebook.com/thenest765/
Good food, coffee and servicePunnet Cafe
337 Newell rd, Tamahere
https://www.punnet.co.nz/
Great range of food, including raw and gluten free. Cabinet and menu food. Nice ambience. - Blog Posts and Articles
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