Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Ferry Landing to Hidden Bay
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 45
9.2km
520m
520m
98m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 45
9.2km
520m
520m
98m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%
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1:50
Slow
1:20
Moderate
0:40
Fast
From the ferry carpark take the track to Whitianga Rock. It follows the water for 20m then up some stairs. At the junction go straight ahead to play tourist and take a detour up some neat rock steps up to the highpoint of Whitianga Rock.
Back at the junction turn right to head down the hill. At the large orange triangle follow the marked trail left, down the hill and over the bridge. Now the steep uphill which takes you to a viewing platform where you can catch your breath. Continue on to the top of the hill to the bench looking at the view in the other direction.
On the opposite side of the trail from the bench is a small unmarked track perpendicular to the main trail. Follow this faint unmarked track heading straight for about 40 meters and search for the orange triangle. The triangle is not visible until you get close. Once you find the orange triangle you can follow the clear and well marked trail as it winds along the side of the hill above Whitianga Harbour and along a small peninsular before dropping into a small bay. Touch the water and enjoy the isolated bay then return the way you came.
The trail varies from narrow raw angled trail to beautifully benched and maintained flowing singletrack with distracting views.
Beautiful views over Whitianga and the harbour
Large carpark with public toilets
38 km
37 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The trail is well marked except the 40m from the main trail at the top of the hill from Ferry Landing. You will need to search to find the first orange triangle. Once you find it the trail is easy to follow and well marked.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone.
There are several streams that cross the trail.
Some clay sections will be slippery in the wet
Nil
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Surprisingly gnarly! The runnable bits were good fun, dodging between the trees. Would be a lot faster on a dry day. Good bits of bush in there between the regenerating clearings. The suggested times are quite optimistic BTW.
September 10, 2022
Was quite difficult to find but once found was a great wee experience. I'm a real novice and managed it so def a beginner track, just watch for tripping hazards.
July 31, 2022
A great wee gem of a run. Great views, very rooty and parts are over growing making it excellent tripping material but otherwise quite varied terrain and Hidden Bay is beautiful!! If you turn right when you’re back at the bench the track takes you down the hill to Front Beach, an beautiful beach for a final swim before wondering back over to the Ferry. Very enjoyable and no one else around!
March 20, 2021
Enjoyable adventure. Glad we packed extra water as was a hot run in summer. And trail shoes were great on the steep downhills and the boggy bits/stream crossings. Bit of trail finding needed as some parts are overgrown and there were tracks to the side (discovered someone's carefully tended Coromandel 'crop'). Also found a lot of trip hazards especially when getting tired.
In summer pack togs and towels for a swim at Hidden Bay - it's glorious. And ice cream at the Ferry Landing store is perfect end.
January 5, 2021
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