Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

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Londonderry Rock

Kumara, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 10 ?

Gnarl Factor: 12 ?

10.8km

100m

100m

160m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Lakeside

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

5%
55%
5%
25%
10%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +2.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:15

Slow

0:55

Moderate

0:40

Fast

This loop run takes in some nice bush tracks, great views along Kapitea Reservoir, and a side trip to Londonderry Rock. The surface is generally fast and easy with small short climbs only.

Set off along the gravel road at the end of Fifth Street heading up a short hill. At the top there is a DoC sign for the Kumara Walk - take this lefthand turn. Follow the trail through regenerating bush until a junction - the straight-on option is the way you will return, so keep right here following the orange cycle trail signs. The tracks winds through more bush before turning into a gravel road through paddocks.

Continue along this gravel road past a property on the left then up a short hill to pop out on tar seal at just after the 3km mark. Turn right here. There is a good verge to run on. Continue past the turn-off for Kapitea Reservoir and run alongside the dam wall, taking the next turn-off to the left, which is a rough 4WD track. This brings you out at the end of the reservoir on the track along the top of the dam wall - turn hard left and run back along the water.

At the other end of the reservoir pass the toilets and head back towards the sealed road. You will see a track winding along beside the road for a short distance - follow it as it heads right along the head of the reservoir, then follow orange cycle trail signs through a short winding bush descent. Head right at the bottom, then cross the sealed road to the turnoff diagonally on the left.

This heads downhill to a powerhouse then back up onto another gravel road. Run along here beside the water race until you see a sign for Londonderry Rock on the left - take this. At the junction continue to the Londonderry Rock track for a short technical out and back. Retrace your steps then take the left turn signposted to Kumara. This passes some mine tailings before popping back out onto the original track - head straight on and follow your nose back to the start.

A short out-and-back takes you to Londonderry Rock, a huge boulder unearthed during mining times There are also several mine tailings and old mining gear

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.

Plenty of on-street parking in Kumara, one parking bay at the end of the gravel road opposite the DoC sign.

1 km

2 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Public toilets by Kapitea Reservoir are your best bet for water

Some bits can get muddy after rain, but generally runnable year-round

Theatre Royal, Kumara
Good coffee and cake, nice dinners too but often requires booking in advance

Trail Legend

MK

Maciej Krolak

has completed Londonderry Rock once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Nice easy trail. Nice bits of native bush for close in views and more expansive views of snowy mountains and the reservoir in other places. I also think my favourite bit was the descent through the bush from the end of the reservoir.

Kirstine Collins

April 27, 2021

My Favorite run to do when i am staying in Kumara, The run at the start through the bush is great and the track is well maintained and marked, the road has a great verge to run on and because cars in the area are used to bikes they seem to keep their speed down. The track from the end of the reservoir down to the road was my favorite bit, lots of winding corners, dense bush and water flowing down the track, and bikers on the track as well. Missed the turnoff to Londonderry Rock on my first attempt and then totally went the wrong way on my second attempt. Loved it.

Callum Templeton

April 26, 2021

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