Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The Trip to Galway Bay
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 32
12.0km
235m
235m
63m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 32
12.0km
235m
235m
63m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +2.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -2.7%
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2:30
Slow
1:45
Moderate
1:15
Fast
From the carpark, take the trail to the left of the toilet block signed to the Dredge. Follow the grass track and you will soon come to the dredge. Take the time to explore a bit here, then carry on the main trail and you will very quickly come out onto the beach.
Head right along the beach until you reach a river and follow the beach around the corner where you will see a sign to your right for the trail to the bridge. This is a great spot for pics with the bridge and the Alps in the background. If you get a very calm day you can get a magic reflection. From there it is plain fun running trail. There is a short excursion to the left to check the Miners Tunnel... make sure you do this as it's part of the course. Eventually after some undulating coastal running and a few swampy boggy bits you will come to the downhill into Galway Bay. At the very end is a cool ladder down to beach level. Explore a bit, although be careful if the seals are around.
To return re-trace your steps.
Great views of Mount Cook and the Alps on a clear day, cool old gold dredge, a miners tunnel (torch not needed) and a seal colony in winter at Galway Bay.
Excellent carpark with toilets at the end
20 km
34 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map.
Take your own
The last few kms before Galway Bay had some short (5 to 15m) swampy bits... these could get larger in winter.
Nothing major, care required at a small stream crossing and the beach is very stony.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Trip to Galway Bay
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Lots of variety on this track with a bit of bush, beach, a lagoon, a tunnel and of course the mighty Southern Alps rising above the beautiful native bush. I did this as a walk but it would be very runnable.
June 17
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