Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Hilly Hakarimata Loop
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 44
8.3km
370m
370m
367m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 44
8.3km
370m
370m
367m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Riverside
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.6%
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2.00:00
Slow
1.30:00
Moderate
1.00
Fast
This makes a good alternative to the Hilly Hakarimata out and back run.
Head south from the carpark back over the bridge for a fast 1.7km warm up run along the Waingaro Road (Footpath and gravel track).
At 1.7km you will reach the Rail Trail on your right, head down this wide grass track for 1.5km to reach a picnic area with a toilet. Head up the track to the right which follows a beautiful river with a waterfall side trail just near the start. After about 1km the ascent starts with at least 1,000 stairs over the next 1.5km.
The track deteriorates from here and you have a hard slog over 1km of muddy steep technical track, barely runable. You will pop out onto the Hilly Hakarimata Track, turn right (you can go left here for 300m to the summit tower) on to the stairs and head back down to another river and follow the river track back to the carpark.
A very good training run with fast warmup, great single track, brutal stairs and technical section.
Hakarimata Rail Trail and Walkway - Hakarimata Summit Tower - Waterfalls
Good parking here, safe with lots of people around and public toilets.
1 km
1 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
On the way up keep to the main track, don't take the Christian Camp Track on your right.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Plenty
Muddy for 1km in winter or after rain
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hilly Hakarimata Loop
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I did this in the opposite direction.
Took this loop on the advice of a nice local lady- and her recommendation was spot on!
Just such beautiful bush and a very fun, runnable trail ( especially enjoyable after THAT Stair Climb) ..I really enjoyed the awa and many waterfalls along the track
August 21
Great loop, but, make sure you have done a bit of recent hill work or you may be in for doms royal.
November 18, 2022
I do love this trail, having run it several times. The stairs are a killer, up and down.
Unfortunately the council realised how many crazies were using the trail and thought best to upgrade that barely runnable muddy hard slog section that was highly technical and near ankle breaking, but totally the highlight. Now it's gravel paved with new stairs. The bonus is you don't need to look for trail markers anymore and you won't break an ankle. 😁
April 22, 2021
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.
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