Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Where in the Whakanui?
Submitted by Ian Tulloch
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 28 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
17.2km
765m
805m
698m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Ian Tulloch
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 28 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
17.2km
765m
805m
698m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.0%
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4:00
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:30
Fast
The beginning is a long slow climb up a wide track - Whakanui Track - as you near the ridge you can get snippets across the valley. As you pass the McKerrow track the run get more technical and single track with tree markers showing the way. The downhill can be steep in some places until you reach the bottom where you meet the Big Bend Track - this track opens up following the Orongorongo river and then changes to the Catchpool Loop track for an easy finish on a wide well maintained track to the car park at Catchpool.
As part of the Rimutaka Forest Park there are native birds all around, some great views West and East on the ridgeline
Plenty of parking on Hine road
11 km
17 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
After passing the McKerrow track turn off, keep alert for markers until you reach the valley floor.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Water is available from the Orongorongo river at the 9km mark
Winter can be very muddy and freezing along the ridge, heavy rain can swell the Orongorongo river. Sudden weather change in Summer can make the ridgeline section cold.
Zany Zeus
Moera, Lower Hutt
http://www.zanyzeus.co.nz/
Fantastic Greek food and a cafe filled with wholesome meals and sweet treats, organic milk, cheese and ice cream. Check out the cake of the day!
Seashore Cabaret
Petone Foreshore
Great selection of food and coffee, harbour view setting
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Where in the Whakanui?
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Love the Whakanui Track. Quite slow and technical in parts but not as muddy as I'd anticipated. Sparky enjoyed drinking out of all the little streams along the way and swam in the Orongorongo River. It's Kiwi habitat so it was an on-lead run this time.
August 31, 2019
Is a great run. I did it from the end of Hine rd, over mt McKerrow, down to Orongorongo river and back via whakanui track. Means there are two significant climbs, but does create a nice loop. Bus 170 also stops at the end of Hine road if you are car less.
February 13, 2019
I started and finished this loop at the end of Hine Road, Wainuiomata. The first 400m is overgrown with gorse which was not vey nice. The Whakanui track is a delight to run, the occasional splendid views through the bush and flowing, open, leaf littered path that you can really pick up the pace on. However, I expect it could get pretty muddy after rain. Mt McKerrow is a non-event, although Clay Ridge does have some fantastic viewpoints. The track is quite overgrow and rough in places from just before the summit to the Whakanui track junction.
April 2, 2018
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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