Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Karapoti Challenge

Upper Hutt, Wellington

Submitted by Joe Benbow

Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 28 ?

Gnarl Factor: 13 ?

18.7km

480m

480m

465m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

55%
45%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.0%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:30

Fast

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.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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

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.

Trail Legend

Mark Drew

Mark Drew

has completed Karapoti Challenge 3 times in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Karapoti Challenge

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

I went after a lot of rain- some fun puddle running down the bottom part of the track beside the river and some little waterfalls. Track was still really good under foot, despite the volume of water. No spectacular view from the top due to the tall pine trees, but overall I really enjoyed it.

Aimee Francois

July 18, 2021

This trail gets you up into the Akatarawa Forest on well marked trails, mainly logging tracks. The river hurtles along beside you at the start/end and then have a steady climb up to the ridge. Very doable. Watch out for motorbikes (you hear them before you see them!).

Karen Spencer

November 22, 2020

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Rimutaka Incline

Rimutaka Incline

Length: 36.0km

Level: Beginner

Cannon Point Trig via Zig Zag

Cannon Point Trig via Zig Zag

Length: 5.8km

Level: Beginner

To Rivendell!

To Rivendell!

Length: 13.5km

Level: Intermediate

Birchville Dam Loop

Birchville Dam Loop

Length: 7.5km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby