Last Updated: 10th Oct 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Pillars of Hercules

Turangi, Waikato

Submitted by Matt & Juliet Alexander

Last Updated: 10th Oct 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 26 ?

Gnarl Factor: 30 ?

12.2km

480m

480m

795m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

70%
20%
10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

The track climbs a couple of hills through a red beech forest and crosses streams in a couple of places with the largest being at the Tree Trunk Gorge end. They are fairly easy to negotiate but there is definitely no way around getting your feet wet unless you get arrange a piggy back. As remote as is it, Mountain Bikers do use this track so do keep an ear out. Overall a really enjoyable run.

There are a couple stream crossings so be prepared to get wet feet and a small section of reasonably technical track but mostly it is a really nice open route.

This track is generally well graded as it mostly follows the line of an old road associated with the Tongariro Power Scheme. It is definitely worth tagging on the extra couple of KMs to make your way to the swing bridge at Pillars of Hercules.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Remote roadside parking so probably best not to leave anything valuable in the car.

24 km

18 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

The track is well established and obvious.

Generally good.

Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

The streams look clear and clean enough to drink from

The large crossing my be difficult after a long period of heavy rain and there will of course be plenty of surface water and mud to make this track even more interesting while raining.

The forest floor is covered in beech tree debris which hides rocks and tree roots. The track is soft under foot in places and offers a few surprises along the way. Nothing too dangerous but be aware of what might be hiding to trip you up.

Trail Legend

MF

Mike Field

has completed Pillars of Hercules once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

This is a great little leg stretch to break the journey south - beautiful wide easy track through huge trees. Its also dog friendly if you arrange a DoC permit through the Turangi office.

Katie Smith

February 2, 2019

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