Last Updated: 23rd Apr 2025
Kapakapanui Loop
Last Updated: 23rd Apr 2025
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 75 ?
13.0km
1040m
1040m
1102m
Last Updated: 23rd Apr 2025
Last Updated: 23rd Apr 2025
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 75 ?
13.0km
1040m
1040m
1102m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -17.8%
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5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Kapakapanui is great climb, the run starts off through private property but is well marked. There are a number stream crossings to begin with so expect to get wet feet from the outset. Beware that if it has been raining heavily that the stream crossings may not be possible. The track can either be done clockwise os anticlockwise. Clockwise is easier than anticlockwise. The track is steep in places but once you get to the summit there are great views over Kapiti out to Kapiti island and on the otherside out to the Tararuas. In some places there are fallen trees that need to be navigated around.
This trail includes the peak Kapakapanui.
Still shows some cyclone damage from 1936 near the summit
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Limited parking at the end of the road, some off road parking on the grass.
9 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Hard.
Always keep an eye on the orange triangles. In some places the track may look to go in a different direction to the triangles so always locate the next orange triangle before proceeding.
Very patchy.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Some water is available at Kapakapanui hut
Due to the height and location to the Tararua ranges it ca be very exposed at the summit. In winter there can be snow on the summit. The track is fairly muddy in some places and be very slippery in or after rain
There are few fallen trees that need to be climbed over or navigated around. There is also a few stream crossings to navigate as well.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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More of a hike than a run for me, quite a lot of roots to navigate, but well worth the trip. Going clockwise is easier and maybe bring a change of socks for after the stream crossings
April 23
Walked this route, didn't try running it - 5h 45m start to finish clockwise. Lucky with the weather - clear at the top with stunning views.
February 6, 2024
Walked/hiked this trail.
Agree with what others have said about it being very technical and steep - cool to explore!
When we did it the view was covered by cloud/mist .
July 15, 2023
First run/walk after injury, enjoyed it thoroughly, the views are magnificent, glad I did it.
July 3, 2021
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