Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Sugarloaf and Waterfalls Loop
Submitted by Mick Finn
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
4.6km
265m
250m
224m
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Submitted by Mick Finn
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
4.6km
265m
250m
224m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.2%
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1:40
Slow
1:10
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the train station head north to the pedestrian bridge that takes you across the motorway where you cross the side road (Korokoro road) and follow a walking path north to Percy’s Reserve.
Head to the duck pond and from there to the lower dam - where the Waterfall track heads up the valley alongside the stream. The waterfall is a cool respite on a hot day and there is a faint track on the slope opposite that eventually sidles to the stream above Korokoro waterfall.
Follow the stream (not much track here) for approx 200m until you reach the Upper Dam. The Kohekohe Climb is signposted here and heads steadily up the hill (don't turn right at the Acacia Drive or Jasmine Drive turnoffs). Then there is a right turn up to Sugarloaf Rock for the pano views.
Return back to the track - called Bulldozer Track - and continue following it down to George Gee Drive. Follow it out to Akatea Rd and cross to Te Whiti Grove where a single track heads down into Galbraith Gully. Once the track reaches the stream it becomes a vague route, which is followed down right to the exit on Korokoro road and a short walk back to the pedestrian bridge and Petone Station.
Percy’s reserve contains lots of interesting historical features, and some great singletrack to run on as well as Korokoro waterfall.
At the top of the climb out of the reserve is Sugarloaf Rock with panoramic views of Wellington, and the track back to Petone Station includes the stream route through Galbraith Gully, a fun stretch that is not always runnable.
Ideal for public transport, i.e. train. Can park at the station if traveling by car, or park at Percy’s reserve.
0 km
0 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
In Percy’s reserve head up the valley initially towards the duckpond. The tracks are signposted and there are occasional maps. At the waterfall you can see the track opposite it higher up, but the start is a bit vague. The Kohekohe Track up to Sugarloaf has a couple of right turnoffs to suburbia which could be confusing - just continue on the track until you see the Sugarloaf turnoff.
Generally good.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Drinking water is available at Percy’s reserve. The stream water is likely very unsafe, because of suburban runoff as well as historic mining activities.
Ideal on a hot day when the streams are cool and pleasant to run. Not safe when the streams are high after rain.
Take care on the run down Galbraiths Gully and the track climbing around the waterfall and the stream above it.
Sprig and Fern
146 Jackson st, Petone
https://sprigandferntaverns.co.nz/our-taverns/wellington/petone/
Courtyard out the back for a craft beer and pizza.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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This is such a fun little adventure! Be sure to go the described direction otherwise you may end up on the wrong side of the waterfall. There was lots of running through creeks so best done on a dry day. Plenty of parking available at Percy Reserve, but no dogs allowed.
Yesterday at 8:45am
I have got to say - not my most favourite route. Great example of NZ bush and gnarly trails but not very runnable. Tricky to navigate - particularly just after the waterfall where the bank on the other side of the stream has collapsed meaning you had to clamber up part of the waterfall. Most of the descent was down the stream bed with a very faint trail. I was lucky that it had not rained a lot recently....would have been very slippery and very wet feet. On the plus side it was very sheltered on an extremely windy day. I don't think the GPS route is totally accurate... I clocked in 4.6km and by comparison I went the same way, just the GPS route was very erratic which added in more km. I bet the engine does not match my run.
September 20, 2023
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