Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Whareroa/Akatarawa Loop

Paekakariki, Wellington

Submitted by Glen Strong

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 61

Gnarl Factor: 16

48.0km

Length of run

1770m

Total Ascent

1770m

Total Descent

540m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Run Makeup

25%

55%

10%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.0%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

10:00

Slow

7:30

Moderate

5:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Popular mountain bike route, all intermediate climb and descent - no flat sections.

Start at Whareroa and follow the 'zigzag' climb to Campbell's Mill Rd. Turn right on a 4WD track and climb to Akatarawa Forest. Climb gate, then turn left onto Titi Road and right onto Whakatiki Road. Loop follows Whakatiki Road, Pram Track, Hukinga Road, Deadwood Road, Devil's Staircase, Titi Road. Recommend obtaining 'Akatarawa Forest Map'. There are steep inclines (25%) and deep stream crossings. Do not attempt in heavy rain as streams prone to flooding.

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. Loop section is the same as that used for Karapoti Classic MTB race.

Transport and parking:

Plenty of parking, no public transport

Distance from Paekakariki:

4 km

Driving time from Paekakariki:

4 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Well signposted for a back country trail.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Availability of Water:

Course crosses a number of streams, recommend carrying a filter.

Seasonality Issues:

Whareroa Farm zigzag section of single track can be very slippery in wet (clay-like base). Friends of Whareroa are working to improve this and putting gravel down. Sections of track prone to slips.

Hazards:

Devil's Staircase is very steep and technical in sections.

Trail Legend

Mike Richardson

has completed Whareroa/Akatarawa Loop once in the last year.

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Overlapping Trails

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.