Karapoti ChallengeIntermediate
Submitted by Joe Benbow
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestRiversideOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
3:00 (Slow)
2:15 (Moderate)
1:30 (Fast)
-9.0%
+8.9%
Note that Airstrip Road and Woolshed Road are closed except to authorised vehicles between 4am and 5pm Monday to Friday, so this is a weekend option only.
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Description
The route follows the historic Karapoti 20K Challenge course (less the start/finish road section).
Note that Airstrip Road and Woolshed Road are closed except to authorised vehicles between 4am and 5pm Monday to Friday, so this is a weekend option only.
Starting at the car park, follow the trail along Karapoti Gorge, crossing the river near the start to keep you on the main wider track (rather than the smaller track that heads up to the right). After around 4.3k, you'll reach McGhies bridge. Cross the bridge and the locked gate and start heading uphill.
At around 6.2k, you'll reach a signed T-junction. Turn left onto Valley View Road and continue uphill.
Keep right at the 8k mark where there is a junction with Lindsays Road.
At 9.4k, keep right again on Airstrip Road, then turn right onto Woolshed Road (at around 10k). This will take you back to the first T-junction where you head back downhill to McGhies bridge and the way you came.
Trail Community
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 45%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 55%
Route Data
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Access
Car park and trail head at the end of Karapoti Road
Plenty of parking available but as it's a remote and quiet trailhead, don't leave valuables in plain sight
16 km
20 minutes
Yes
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Make sure you know which turn to take at each junction on the loop section (Airstrip, then Woolshed). A wrong turn can take you miles off course.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Map.
The river and tributaries are the only water sources. Best to take your own but these sources could be used if you really needed.
The Akatarawas get a lot of rainfall. Slips are common. Expect to get wet feet. The highest points on this run are quite exposed to the wind too.
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