Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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Kaimai South Side To Hurunui Hut

Matamata, Waikato

Submitted by Linda Downes

Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 24 ?

Gnarl Factor: 48 ?

18.5km

400m

400m

480m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

With permit

Native bush

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2.00

Fast

Starting at SH29 carpark you will see the DoC sign that is the Southern Entrance to the North South tramping track. This is the track you will be following to Hurunui Hut.

You are straight into a steady climb that is not really runnable due to the technicality of the trail. Follow the DoC orange triangles at all times, there are little streams and fallen trees along the track. Ignore signs for the Henderson Tramway as that is a seprate track. Stay on the North South Track. The track gets a bit easier to run for a while during the open areas. While in the bush, be patient with the obstacles and mud sections, there can be areas where the track is a bit overgrown. To get to Hurunui hut its a left hand turn (detour) and about 5 mins up the way (sign posted).

Turn around at the hut and head back in the opposite direction.

Tramway, Lagoon

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.

Enough parking for 10+ cars

19 km

16 minutes

With Permit

No

Moderate.

Follow DoC triangles and read the signs as you go past

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

There are streams that are probably OK to drink from

Mud, might be cutty grass in summer

Fallen trees, overgrown track, tree roots, mud, tramway bits

Trail Legend

Tim Purchase

Tim Purchase

has completed Kaimai South Side To Hurunui Hut once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I came in and ran from Hendersons Trainline Northern Branch. Straight into stream crossings with slippy rock and the tramline section was really muddy between the sleepers but i really enjoyed the track. Roughly an hour each way to the hut, 12.5km Nice variety.

John Carman

June 24

Really lovely run. Nice mixture of actual running and clambering. Good view point. Well maintained track.

Karen Koch

January 31, 2021

Nice run with some small stream crossings which if you're careful you can avoid getting your feet wet (although where's the fun in that). There's quite a few clearings which also provide the opportunity to get some sunlight, but mostly the run is under the Kaimai native canopy. Best way to find start of track is to Google Kaimai water spring. Make sure you get your fill of this wonderfully cool water when you finish (or fill up before you head out).

Anthony Sowerby

December 29, 2019

Being my first really technical trail run, it is a little difficult to rate.The fact that I never got injured, didn't get my butt wet or covered in mud - has to be a huge bonus.Extremely grateful for tree roots to hang on to.Some magic views and pretty little lakes. Surprising shortage of bird life though - no shortage of greenery though.Loved it.

Cheryl Kessack

September 16, 2019

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