Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mukamuka Munter
Submitted by Ian Tulloch
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 49
Gnarl Factor: 38
30.0km
965m
945m
570m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Ian Tulloch
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 49
Gnarl Factor: 38
30.0km
965m
945m
570m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.3%
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6:00
Slow
4:00
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Starting at the bridge over the Orongorngo river follow the well marked track around the coast, great views and big surf on some days. This coast track is about 12km long to the Mukamuka valley.
The valley starts with a wide open grassland before the river stones and rocks kick in and lasts for about 4km. Stay on the main valley going up. You will get to the end of the valley climbing steeply up to the saddle and very technical. Stop at the saddle for good views before heading down to the Orongorong River, the track down is technical and steep to the valley below. Cross the Orongorongo river to Big Bend track, following this to Catchpool, then follow this easy track back to the main carpark at the regional park
The Mt Matthews saddle provides great views on a good day north and south.
A real variety of track from easy single to very technical climbing over rocks following the river.
Plenty of parking at the end of the Coast road running anti clockwise, or at Catchpool if running the track in clockwise direction
24 km
29 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
When running up the Mukamuka valley take the main valley and not the left tributary, then carry on up the main valley following the river, not very well marked the further you go up, but keep aiming for the saddle.
At the top of the saddle you need to go up a little then along the side of the face before heading down. When you come down from the saddle the track has lots of tree roots and is very steep in parts. When you reach the Orongorongo river cross the river to Big Bend track and follow that to Catchpool to take you to the main carpark
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Plenty of water available from the rivers as you go along
The saddle is very exposed to windy conditions, as is the coast route tot he Mukamuka valley. The Orongorongo river can be difficult to cross if heavy rain or long periods of rain
Zany Zeus
Moera
Great coffee and loads of delicious Greek Treats including organic ice creams
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mukamuka Munter
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I’ve done the trail a few times and my favourite is definitely in reverse. Came out of the Mukamuka Valley today to find a pod of dolphins cruising the shoreline. Ran on the beach alongside them for about 1k!
February 28, 2021
Amazing adventure. Lulled into a false sense of security for the first 13km even though the elevation profile tells you that the up is still to come! Stunning views along the coast; we ran it on a fairly atmospheric day of shifting clouds and light so the colours were beautiful. At Mukamuka Valley the terrain changes completely - loved the rock hopping and river crossings as we made our way up the river. You will get wet feet! Steep and gnarly up to South Saddle. Nearly got blown off so crawled to the ridge to see the incredible vews to both sides, then a steep gnarly climb back down through the forest to the Orongorongo river - more river to cross and boulders to hop over. Neat single trail back to the carpark through the bush - all runnable. Thoroughly recommend it - it has a bit of everything!
October 21, 2020
The elevation profile doesn't lie! After a gentle cruise along the (unusually calm today) south coast, the track follows the riverbed up, and up, and up. You don't think it can get any steeper, then it does.... Eventually you pop out on the saddle with breathtaking, panoramic views, before descending an equally knee-jarring climb. Not a lot of running to be had on this middle section but it's still a great adventure. If your legs have anything left in them, the last 10k is very runnable through lovely bush.
August 2, 2020
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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