Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Gary Crilley
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Aug 2020: Most of it is still runnable, but the section through Wainui Station is closed for logging works so not possible to create a full loop. Currently expected to be closed through to Jan 2021.
Please notify us if this has changed.
Grunt Factor: 33 ?
Gnarl Factor: 22 ?
22.2km
620m
620m
415m
Back country - remote
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open farmlands
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%
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3:30
Slow
2:50
Moderate
2:00
Fast
Popular mountain bike route, all intermediate climb and descent - no flat sections. Start at Whareroa and follow the 'zig-zag' mtb climb to Campbell's Mill Rd. Turn right on a 4WD track (or left - can be run either way) and climb to Akatarawa Forest. Climb gate then keep turning left till Perhams Rd (4WD track) and follow down to Mangakotukutuku Rd (sealed). Turn left and gentle climb for 1km and turn left on Campbells Mill Rd. Follow back to the top of the zig-zag and return.
Whareroa Farm is the site of the Paekakariki Marine Base during WW11, and some of this run is where the Marines used to run in training for battle.
Plenty of parking, no public transport
4 km
4 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Once over the gate at the top of Campbell's Mill Road and into Akatarawa Forest, there are three intersections of 4WD tracks, keep taking the left hand turn. They are all signposted.
Non-existent.
Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water at start of track, then none. Always carry water.
Much of the track is clay, which is dry and highly reflective in summer (wear sunnies), and slippery and dangerous in winter. You run from coastal sea level into a low mountain range and weather can change considerably. This is a 'wet' track with an unavoidable creek 1.6km from the start and another at halfway.
The zig-zag track and Campbells Mill Rd are mountain bike tracks, two way, so watch for bikes. Once over the gate into Akatarawa Forest there will be motorbikes and occasional 4WD vehicles. Cellphone coverage over the back of the course is non-existent and outside the weekends, traffic is almost none - very isolated.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Perhams Road Loop
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Great run mostly on 4WD track. A lot of clay underfoot so can be slippy in places, especially after rain. Unfortunately on 30/08/2020 a section of the route at Wainui Section was closed for logging works (and not due to re-open until Jan 2021) making the loop impossible and no alternative route is in place. Looking forward to getting out next year and completing the full loop.
August 31, 2020
Nice little run, easy access from SH1. It's made up of two parts, the first (and last) is a narrow bike track thru regenerating bush, OK, but you have to watch out for the bikers as they dont know how to share. The second part is mainly on a broad well formed track thru a forest, which is mostly pine. Overall a nice steady track, not too steep at any point, but equally no flat boring sections. The views are great from the top and the track is sheltered from the worst of the weather most of the time, so good for a windy or sunny day.
February 1, 2020
Enjoyed this more than anticipated! No dogs allowed so took my mountain biker as support crew. Interesting farm/forest roads and loved the last 4.5k of mountain bike track - nice finish. Course was faster than Id planned.
May 26, 2019
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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