Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Mitchells Meander

Kumara, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 35 ?

10.0km

230m

230m

197m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Totally/mostly flat

Native bush

Riverside

Lakeside

Run Makeup

5%
30%
55%
10%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:50

Fast

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.

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

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.

No public transport. Adequate safe parking - busier over summer months.

22 km

28 minutes

Unknown

No

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

Brunner Lodge
Mitchells - right opposite boat ramp
Good coffee and food when open, seasonal.

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Trail Reviews

If you get the weather right with little rain in the week before this run is great to stretch the legs. The trail is very runnable and flat. I had the track to myself and enjoyed the birds and the bush.

Vicky Youngman

January 3, 2021

Such a nice a variety of tracks here. Absolutely loved it.

Sharon Sharpe

September 2, 2019

Really enjoyable area to explore

Tony Sharpe

September 2, 2019

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