Last Updated: 17th Oct 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Pirongia Trail Run - Munter

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Josh Lyon

Last Updated: 17th Oct 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 80 ?

Gnarl Factor: 73 ?

36.8km

2025m

2025m

959m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Run Makeup

5%
5%
10%
80%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

9:00

Moderate

5:45

Fast

This is part of the Pirongia Trail Run event.


The Munter is a hard core challenge for the intermediate/advanced runner.

The course headsup the Mahaukura track before forking left and heading onto the Pirongia summit.

After a undulating ridge to the hut, you'll begin to head out toward the Cone, entering the wildest part of the course - the Bell track. Be prepared for knee deep mud in a number of bogs.

Summiting the Cone, a steep technical descent gives way to more bogs, before you're treated to gentle downhill and flat running to the foot of the Tahuanui track.

From here you'll encounter a steady 800m climb back to the summit ridge, before turning left and descending down the Tirohanga track to your start point.

It's an epic.

This trail includes the peaks Pirongia, The Cone, Mahaukura and Ruapane.

Long drop toilet behind the lodge, i.e. at the start.

Parking in Department of Conservation carpark, two car parks; upper and lower.

0 km

0 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

The course follows all DOC marked tracks. However, Pirongia can be affected by tree fall, especially the Bell Track. Pay attention to your surroundings and look for those orange triangles!

Generally good.

Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Water refill at the Pahautea Hut (7.7km from start), also water available at the Kaniwhaniwha campsite, although this is from the stream so may need treating (23km from start).

Mud. All year round. How good.

Mountain View Bakery
Pirongia
Slay some pies.

Trail Legend

Troy Field

Troy Field

has completed Pirongia Trail Run - Munter once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I finished the race on November 16, 2024, in 8 hours and 2 minutes. grateful. I probably won't run this route again. There are too many mud pits, entrenched tree roots, fallen trees, and vines that can easily get people caught...

Changhai Zhou

November 16

If you are into technical climbing and descending and lots of MUD this run is for you. I ran this as part of the Pirongia Trail Run event, and had an epic day. One of my new favorite courses and events. Loved it!

Ben Swift

November 16

1. I am a rookie. I completed the big ring in 10 hours and the small ring in 4 hours. I have completed the big ring 3 times, and the small ring more than 10 times
2. From November to April of the following year is the best month, and the rest of the months are deeply mired, which is strongly not recommended.
3. The scenery is average, but the route is extremely difficult. There are swamps and tree roots everywhere, and some sections of the road are not accessible at all. 4. Absolute technical route, an excellent venue for training cross-country running skills.

Changhai Zhou

August 15, 2023

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.

Bell Blast

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Length: 11.5km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Pirongia Loop of Awesomeness

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Nikau Loop & Kaiwhaniwha Caves

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Pirongia Loop of Insanity.

Pirongia Loop of Insanity.

Length: 28.0km

Level: Intermediate

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Length: 20.9km

Level: Intermediate - Experienced

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