Kaitarakihi SummitIntermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Robyn Lesh
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bushOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
3:30 (Slow)
2:15 (Moderate)
1:30 (Fast)
-16.6%
+16.6%
Chain assist has been removed from the summit scramble (see doc website alert) but track is still open & navigable with good weather and care.
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Description
Starting at the trailhead, 0.5km from the parking, the trail jumps right into a 100m climb between 0.7km & 1.5km before levelling out to ups & downs along a ridgeline for the next 2km (10m-40m mini-hills).
The summit ascent starts at 3.5km and starts to get real around 4km. After a short break at around 4.3km the real scramble starts where the trail is a rock-climb to the summit! Seems the trail used to continue past the summit but this has been pretty clearly blocked off. This summit is the reward!
Return the way you came.
Note: The chains providing assistance for the final ascent of the Kaitarakihi Summit Track have been removed. Without them the final ascent is an extreme climb and should only be attempted by experienced trail runners and trampers.
Trail Community
Features of interest
All the track is through native bush with a viewpoint along a ridgeline part way to the summit. Fairly exposed final climb to the summit but amazing views. Reasonably protected summit clearing at the top.
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 25%
Moderate Single Track: 60%
Easy Single Track: 15%
Route Data
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Access
Park at the viewpoint parking lot and the trailhead is about 0.5km west along the road on the north side. At the start of the trail there should be a clear sign directing into the woods for the summit track.
Parking is at a viewpoint, not super well maintained but spacious & sufficient.
21 km
21 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Easy.
The trail is marked & well trodden.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone.
No water available on trail.
Would be exposed slick rock after a rain. Best done in dry good conditions. Trail prior to summit scramble could likely be done in any weather.
Scramble near the summit not good for faint of heart or bad weather.
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