Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Tiropahi Trail

Punakaiki, West Coast

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 22 ?

Gnarl Factor: 36 ?

19.5km

280m

280m

243m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

25%
25%
25%
10%
15%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:00

Fast

The first thing you do after about 100m is cross the river, so if you don't like running with wet shoes and socks then either take them off or take spares. Or, if you have a good 4WD you can drive over the river and start on the other side.

Head over the river and follow the 4WD track which soon narrows to single track. There are no side trails so just foillow the often overgrown trail, skirting around windfall. After about 4.5km you see the first signs that this was once a DOC trail, some arrows and a sign or two. A bit after that you come to the wetland. There is a poled route with sporadic poles, so work your way through... if you don't mind wet muddy feet you could zoom through here and have a bit of fun.

Eventually the trail spits you out onto an overgrown 4WD track. Turn right here and battle your way through the gorse to the clearing and then follow the 4WD track up the hill for about 1.5km. You will come to a whole lot of visible tree roots on the road and this is pretty much the high point of the road and your turnaround point.

(On the way back I turned into the wetland a bit earlier to avoid the gorse and traversed across to the poled route... it's up to you if you are confident enough to do this)

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.

If you drive in on the track there is a turning area and room for 5 or 6 cars.

21 km

20 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

At times the trail is hard to see, especially in the wetland. Stop, look around and if need be backtrack.

Non-existent.

Waterproof leggings, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

The river is there most of the way.

I imagine the wetlands get fuller and wetter in winter.

Nothing major of note

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