Mitchells MeanderBeginner
Submitted by Katie Smith
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Totally/mostly flat
Native bushRiversideLakeside
Beginner
1:20 (Slow)
1:00 (Moderate)
0:50 (Fast)
-4.8%
+5.0%
DOC have removed the bridge closest to Carew Bay Beach, so unless the lake is really really low you are most likely going to get wet up to your waist at least.
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Description
Note: DOC have removed the bridge closest to Carew Bay Beach, so unless the lake is really really low you are most likely going to get wet up to your waist at least.
Start from the boat ramp, where there are views across Lake Moana to Mt Te Kinga and Moana settlement. Follow the track marked Bain Bay.
Initially this winds through over-head-height flax on a mix of board walk and sandy trails, generally following the lake edge. Cross two wooden bridges then follow the beach around until you see the orange triangle marking where the track enters the bush. From here it winds through beautiful lush rainforest, before popping out on the beach at Bain Bay after about three kilometres.
Here you can choose to run along the shingle beach or duck back into the bush for the last 500m to the picnic area at the end of the bay. There are old logging implements lying around, and you can see the posts from an old L-shaped wharf. From the end of the bay there is a rough farm track that you can follow for 500m for open views across farmland. Turn around and head back the way you came.
When you get back to the boat ramp, head up towards the road then turn left across the one-lane bridge. After about 200m you will see the Carew Falls track on your right. This climbs steadily through more rain forest for about one kilometre, bringing you out at the bottom of the 30m falls, where there is a stunning swimming hole to cool down in. When you've had your fill, head back down the same track and back to the start point.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Stunning rainforest
At Bain Bay there are remnants of old logging apparatus, including machinery and the stumps of an old wharf
Carew Falls with swimming hole
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 10%
Moderate Single Track: 55%
Easy Single Track: 30%
Gravel Road: 5%
Route Data
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Access
From Kumara turn off SH73 towards Mitchells and Taramakau settlement. Follow the road, continuing straight on at the one-lane bridge just before the gravel road starts (instead of turning right to Taramakau Settlement). After about 10km of gravel road you will arrive in Mitchells - turn left down the track to the boat ramp and park at the end. You should see the DoC sign for the Bain Bay track.
No public transport. Adequate safe parking - busier over summer months.
22 km
28 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Easy.
Occasionally along the waterfront the track disappears - keep heading onwards and you will always pick it up again, sometimes a few metres into the bush.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Drinkable water from Carew Falls and a couple of small side creeks passed on the way to Bain Bay
When lake levels are high the first part of the track can be underwater and inaccessible
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Post run indulgence
Brunner Lodge
Mitchells - right opposite boat ramp
Good coffee and food when open, seasonal. -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
The Goldsborough
The Gravel Grind
Kawhaka Magic
Londonderry Rock
Mt French
