Arcus Loop TrackBeginner
Submitted by Kirstine Collins
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushRiversideOpen tussock/grasslands
Beginner
0:45 (Slow)
0:25 (Moderate)
0:15 (Fast)
-10.8%
+9.3%
March 2023: The access road to Otaki Forks is still closed by a large slip at Blue Bluff and unlikely to be opened again until at least 2024.
Parking is on the roadside at the end of Otaki Gorge Rd at Shields Flat. From here you need to hike in either using the very steep emergency track (roughly 5-6kms) or over the slip and along the old road (3.5kms).
Access from the south is off the Expressway - look for the Tararua Forest Park / Otaki Gorge Road exit before you reach Otaki.
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Description
April 2021: current access is via a temporary alternative route - see here for details. Please email us with any updates that you become aware of.
Great fast run on good condition singletrack. Starting at the overnight carpark take the track through the bush to Boielle Flat. Cross the Waiotauru River footbridge and keep left at the junction to climb onto the river terraces. Follow the signs for Arcus loop.
The track goes along the river terraces before dropping towards Waiotauru River. It turns right again and stays high above the river before dropping to some grassy flats and back to the footbridge. Follow the track back to the carpark.
Toilets are available at the Boielles Flat campsite and at Parawai Hut (NO toilets at the Otaki Gorge Rd car park). Boil or treat water before drinking. There is no cellphone reception. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Views of the Waiotaura River and Otaki River.
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 100%
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
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Access
2 km South of Otaki turn left onto Otaki Gorge Road and follow for 16 km to Otaki Forks. Park at the Overnight Parking location.
Large carpark with toilets
18 km
31 minutes
Yes
No
-
Staying Safe
Easy.
Clear signage and obvious track
Non-existent.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit.
Water at Waiotauru River
Nil
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