Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Crosbies Hut via Karaka Track
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 47
26.0km
1390m
1390m
654m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 47
26.0km
1390m
1390m
654m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.3%
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6:00
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
Strictly follow all signs to Crosbies Hut, then back again to Thames via Karaka Track. There are lots of track options along the way, but DOC has put a great deal of work into clearly signposting the way (provided you stop and read the signposts properly!)
Lovely views across Kauaeranga Valley (track winds around mountain so you get views both sides). Crosbies Hut is a lovely modern hut to stay overnight (bookings required), there are also 4 chipbark tent spots if you prefer camping.
Limited parking at start of Karaka Track. Better off parking further back in town, towards hospital or along Karaka Road.Â
2 km
5 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
Follow every signpost up to Crosbies Hut, then every signpost back to Thames (only signpost closest to town lists Karaka Track -- as Karaka Junction). If you end up on Waiotahi Track (which is a nicer 4WD track anyway) you'll end up in Thames just north of Karaka Track entrance.
Patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
A couple of freshwater springs at beginning of track, then nothing until Crosbies Hut.
Coromandel floods easily, and roads often close in bad weather.
Cafe Melbourne
715 Pollen St Thames
Tasty brunch/lunch options. Spacious cafe in case you're sweaty.
Grahamstown Bar and Diner
700 Pollen St
Great for later-in-the-day refuelling (lunch/dinner).
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Crosbies Hut via Karaka Track
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JB
Ran this again yesterday. Some obvious track maintenance and widening on the Karaka towards the Waiotahi junction. Route all the way was clear of obstructions and easy to follow. However, significantly wetter and muddier than back in January. Time was about 25 minutes slower and while some of that may be attributed to another year of ageing and a little less fitness, most of it was because of a lot of slippery and muddy sections. Nothing to get worried about (though you wouldn't want to be wearing those nice white tennis shoes you picked up in the Black Friday sales) but definitely enough to slow you down and require a good hose-down at the end (which is where the swimming hole comes in very handy!).
December 4, 2022
JB
Ran this in January so was dry underfoot and while it was a hot morning, the amount of bush cover meant the trail was highly pleasant. The first 2k is easy running and then there's about 4k of pretty technical stuff, prominent roots, dry stream crossings, tree-hurdling, etc to take away any form of rhythm. After that there's about 6k of well graded lovely running before it gets a bit technical and steep in the last k or so before the hut. Great view from the hut. On the way down there is a great swimming / leg-cooling / wash-off pool about 50 metres from the end, great placement by someone. Highly recommend it (the track and the pool).
January 13, 2022
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