Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Butterfly Creek Loop

Wainuiomata, Wellington

Submitted by Joe Benbow

Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 10 ?

Gnarl Factor: 18 ?

7.8km

370m

370m

220m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Coastal

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

This is a shorter version of the full Eastbourne Ridge Loop, perfect if you're short of time or want to see the best bits without any technical parts or too much road.

Starting on the junction of Muritai Road and MacKenzie Road, follow Muritai Road south until you come to Kowhai St on your left. Follow this uphill and you will come to the Kowhai St track entrance.

This will take you on a winding zig-zag up through the bush. At the top of the hill, turn right and follow signs for Butterfly Creek down the other side of the ridge. You will soon come to a right turn, leading to the picnic area. This is a worthwhile add-on as it brings you out to a lovely spot by the water (which would make a great swimming spot in summer). There is also a toilet here if needed.

Head back to the main track and keep following the Butterfly Creek track alongside the water. This is a beautiful section where you'll run over boardwalks criss-crossing over the creek. Eventually, the path will zig-zag back uphill, bringing you out at the summit.

Once you've caught your breath, follow the MacKenzie track back downhill and you'll pop out on MacKenzie Road where you started.

Plenty of parking along Muritai Road but keep an eye on parking restrictions as you get closer to the shops

14 km

18 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Very patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.

Drinking the creek water isn't advised so best to take what you need

This is a very well-graded track so is suitable for all seasons

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Butterfly Creek Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Stunning wee loop, almost other-worldly once you are over the ridge and down on to the track beyond. The track is super easy running and you feel miles form anywhere.

Karen Spencer

March 20, 2021

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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.

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