Last Updated: 22nd Nov 2023
Maungatautari Mission
Submitted by Emma Dryland
Last Updated: 22nd Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 67
13.0km
620m
830m
780m
Last Updated: 22nd Nov 2023
Submitted by Emma Dryland
Last Updated: 22nd Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 67
13.0km
620m
830m
780m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.9%
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4:00
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:30
Fast
This point to point run follows the run section of the Maungatautari Mission. A multisport event held in the middle of the year by the Boatshed Kayaks.
It traverses Mount Maungatautari south to north, along the Over The Mountain (OTM) track, followed by 3kms on the road.
Start from Tari road, follow the signs for OTM and enter the pest proof fence though a green cage gate. Head north on a wide gravel track before tuning left on to the track. The follow the OTM markers which diverge to the right. The OTM track meets up with the new track a few times in quick succession before leaving it to summit and descend the Rocky outcrop. Pukeatua peak is a minute or so detour off the OTM track. Follow on to the Maungatautari summit, exit the bush on to the wide gravel track, before reaching the end of the enclosure (1km), follow the farm tracks down 2 paddocks (1km) and on to Hicks road. Continue to the end of Hicks road to Maungatautari School (3km).
Maungatautari or Sanctuary Mountain is Waikato's mainland ecological island and wildlife sanctuary. It is home to endangered species such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats and insects.
There is parking available at the end of Tari road, a large gravel patch on the left hand side.
28 km
26 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Follow the OTM orange triangle markers. Keep an eye out around the turn off for Pukeatua peak as the track is not as clear here.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Pack your own water.
There are bathrooms at the visitors center during it's opening hours.
It gets dark on the mountain earlier than expected winter. Pack a headlamp if you start this later in the day.
There are normally some cattle in the paddock when exiting the north gate, they seem friendly and not phased by runners.
Rouge
11 Empire St, Cambridge
http://www.rougeempire.co.nz/
Rouge is a great little spot to refuel with a yummy coffee and brunch.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Maungatautari Mission
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So much up! But lots of amazing wildlife to keep you distracted. And a great little cafe at the end.
January 31, 2020
Hi Just a note that due to the Northern enclosure being closed, the Tramping track on northern side is falling into disrepair, this and very little use makes it tricky to navigate.
November 18, 2019
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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