Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

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Pipiwharauroa Trail

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

Grunt Factor: 16

Gnarl Factor: 15

17.7km

380m

380m

482m

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
60%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -5.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Follow the gravel road up to the plateau - there are a couple of diversions off the road across farm tracks which are well signposted. There is a sign at the turnaround point which directs you to turn back.

The formation of the Pipiwharauroa Trail over existing paper roads was made possible with the co-operation and goodwill of the landowners. The track winds its way over private farmland owned by the Vanhoutte and Jowsey families. The trail was formed from the roads that were used to bring in turbines for the Te Uku wind farm and passes close-by to several turbines.

Large gravel parking area with information signage at the start.

23 km

21 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone.

No access to drinking water.

This trail runs up to and through a wind farm - therefore it is usually windy and very exposed across the top part of the trail.

Most of the track is well formed. There are some short sections near the top that cross farmland that can be very wet and muddy in winter.

The Shack
Raglan
https://www.theshackraglan.com/
Have eaten there several times after running in the Raglan region. Good food, good coffee, good service.

Trail Legend

Roy Hengeveld

Roy Hengeveld

has completed Pipiwharauroa Trail twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great views and plenty of interesting stuff to see along the way. Was expecting this to be all gravel but there is a fair chunk of farmland running as well. Beware the lurking bull though which required a detour!

Anthony Sowerby

April 8

I didn't mind this too much. It's mostly a gravel road but there are no cars and I only saw 2 bikes the whole time. I think as long as you go with the mind set of it's more gravel than trail or you want to get a speedy one in you'll be alright. I parked at Bridal Falls and ran there first ( only about 1.5km in all ) then ran up the road to start this trail ( 800m )

You get great views of the Waikato the whole time as you wind up the hills. Great speedy fun on the way back down.

Alex Slack

March 13, 2023

"Roads are made for horses and men of business" Henry David Thoreau
Meh... its an exposed road, mostly of gravel through farm land to some power producing constructions ( some of which aren't even working )
quite, dystopian
will not trade again

jace jones

August 14, 2022

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