Last Updated: 27th May 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Mt Tuhua

Hokitika, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 27th May 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 29 ?

Gnarl Factor: 88 ?

8.5km

1100m

1100m

1125m

  

  

  

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

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

30%
70%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +26.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -26.6%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

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!

This trail includes the peak Tuhua.

Great views over Lake Kaniere, the Arahura Valley, out to the Tasman Sea and inland to the Southern Alps

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.

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

No

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

LW

Lynda Watson

has completed Mt Tuhua twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Mt Tuhua

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

Loved it! A gnarly run well worthy of inclusion in the Scott Gnarly Collection. The views make it all worthwhile - simply stunning!

Malcolm Law

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!

Rebecca Sunderland

June 30, 2020

Really fun track, some serious steep sections though! Views are great.

George Mitchell

June 1, 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
Mahinapua Walkway

Mahinapua Walkway

Length: 6.0km

Level: Beginner

Jacks Track

Jacks Track

Length: 16.0km

Level: Beginner

Loop Lake Kaniere

Loop Lake Kaniere

Length: 22.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Kaniere Water Race

Kaniere Water Race

Length: 9.5km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Find more trails and peaks nearby