Last Updated: 22nd Aug 2024
Hilly Hakarimata Loop
Submitted by Paul Parker
Last Updated: 22nd Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
8.3km
370m
370m
367m
Last Updated: 22nd Aug 2024
Submitted by Paul Parker
Last Updated: 22nd Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
8.3km
370m
370m
367m
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
Toilets at the carpark/start as well as the other end of the rail trail (approx 3Km in).
Good parking here, safe with lots of people around and public toilets.
1 km
1 minutes
No
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)
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My favourite way to the Hakarimata summit. Lovely bush, easy stairs and tracks (as in, not technical.. maybe "easy" isn't the right word for thaat many steps), and a great view from the lookout. The "muddy steep technical" bit is gone now, replaced with more steps. Nice to do at night too, for a different view and see some gloworms.
August 19
A venue for daily training. I've probably done it dozens of times. At least twice a month. This hill is very friendly and you can go there every day, 365 days a year. You can go every hour, 24 hours a day. I walked when it was raining heavily, and I also walked when the sun was scorching. Very friendly and not dangerous at all. My best time is 1 hour and 05 minutes. Now it can only be completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Just keep working hard.
April 18, 2024
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, 2023
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
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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