Last Updated: 11th Mar 2024

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Progress Water Race Track - AKA Stairmaster 2000

Reefton, West Coast

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 11th Mar 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

5.1km

Length of run

490m

Total Ascent

480m

Total Descent

334m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Progress Water Race Track - AKA Stairmaster 2000, West Coast

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Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

80%

15%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +17.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -17.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

48:00

Moderate

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Head over the large wobbly swing bridge, on to the trail. The first set of steps takes you up to the level of the water race and from there, where possible you follow the race. There are frequent dips where you will be taken down steps to a gully and up steps on the other side to rejoin the water race.

In places the trail was completely overgrown with ferns, requiring careful progress to make sure your footing is safe. But the open bits are magic, wonderful beech forest and moss trail that is made for running.

There were 1184 steps (up and down) from the start to the turnaround at just over 2.5km and yet it all works to make this something just a bit different and enjoyable. Eventually, at the turnaround, you will reach a large sign that informs you of the end of the Progress Water Race Trail and back you go to the start.

The Old Water Race from mining days is along most of the track, large pipe in evidence in a couple of places and a few water race tunnels.

Transport and parking:

Plenty of room to park.

Distance from Reefton:

0 km

Driving time from Reefton:

0 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

None

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Plenty of streams around, as well as the river at the start.

Hazards:

If the trail is still overgrown, take care with your footing when you can't see the trail through the undergrowth. Easy to trip on a log or step in a hole.

Trail Legend