Mukamuka MunterIntermediate
Submitted by Ian Tulloch
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushBeachCoastalRiversideOpen farmlandsOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
6:00 (Slow)
4:00 (Moderate)
2:30 (Fast)
-6.3%
+6.7%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
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
Trail Community
Features of interest
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.
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 10%
Moderate Single Track: 60%
Easy Single Track: 30%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each

XTERRA Orongorongos Long Course
Length: 20.50km

Mt Matthews
Length: 27.00km

Mt Matthews - Mukamuka Loop
Length: 36.00km
Photos:
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Access
Drive south from Wainuiomata to the Coast road all the way to the Orongorongo river car park. This is where the trail starts
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
No
No
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Staying Safe
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 carparkNon-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
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Post run indulgence
Zany Zeus
Moera
Great coffee and loads of delicious Greek Treats including organic ice creams - Blog Posts and Articles
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See other runs nearby:
Eastbourne Ridge Loop
Belmont Trig
XTERRA Orongorongos Long Course
Belmont Regional Park - Oakleigh to Hill
Wainui Trail Park
Mt Matthews
Mt Matthews - Mukamuka Loop
Where in the Whakanui?
Te Whiti Firebreak Calf Burn
Puke Ariki Traverse
Cannon Point Trig via Zig Zag
Mt Lowry
Te Whiti Riser
Belmont Bash
Belmont Tadpole Loop
Lighthouses and Lakes
Pareraho to Cornish
Soil Bureau
Baring It All
Wainuiomata Recreation Area
Rata Ridge
Fairy House Loop
Dry Creek Loop
Riversdale Beach Southern Reserve
Waddington Loop of Wander
Mini Makara Mission
Sugarloaf and Waterfalls Loop
Loop the Hutt Valley