Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Tuhua
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29
Gnarl Factor: 88
8.5km
1100m
1100m
1125m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29
Gnarl Factor: 88
8.5km
1100m
1100m
1125m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +26.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -26.6%
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Not suitable
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:00
Fast
This is a steep out and back to the top of Mount Tuhua. There are several sections that are fairly unrunnable, but the bits that are make it worthwhile.
The track starts off at a gentle gradient through rainforest for about the first kilometre, before starting to climb increasingly steeply. The bush is thick, but there are two viewpoints along the way which look back across Lake Kaniere, and show you how far you've climbed already.
After around 2km of solid climbing there is a brief enjoyable downhill to get the legs moving again, and at around the 3km mark you pop out about the bush line for some stunning views. This section is great open ridgeline running, with one last steep rocky section just before the summit trig. From here there is a tarn visible about 200m below if you need to top up on water.
Enjoy the well-earned views before turning and heading back the way you came and letting gravity do its work!
Great views over Lake Kaniere, the Arahura Valley, out to the Tasman Sea and inland to the Southern Alps
There is space for only 2-3 cars at the start of the track - if no space here there is plenty back in Hans Bay.
No public transport
21 km
23 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The track is generally well marked with Doc orange triangles, but above the bush line it is poled intermittently, and could be difficult in poor visibility
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Very little water along the track, but plenty from the public toilets at Hans Bay, or from tarns below the summit.
Snow on the tops in winter, notoriously changeable weather, and the section above the bush line is exposed to wind at any time of year.
Stella's Cafe
Hokitika
Good coffee and food, nice atmosphere
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Tuhua
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Loved it! A gnarly run well worthy of inclusion in the Scott Gnarly Collection. The views make it all worthwhile - simply stunning!
November 9, 2020
This is s very grunty hike. Good luck if you can run more than 30% of it! My legs were like jelly by the time I got to the 'runable' parts that I was only able to shuffle slightly faster! Its the only run where I've got bruises on my elbows on the decent! I was very thankful to have running poles to assist both ways. Worth it for the views from the top tho. Be warned...posted DOC time says 7hrs so leave more time than you might expect!
June 30, 2020
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