Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Mount Greenland

Ross, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 31 ?

Gnarl Factor: 35 ?

19.0km

1050m

1050m

905m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

50%
10%
20%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:15

Fast

Starting from the Ross goldfields carpark, either head along the DoC track leading out from the lefthand corner, or head up the left-hand sealed road - they join up after about 200m onto the Mt Greenland 4wd road. Initially you run along Jones Creek, where you can fossick for nuggets if you like! Ignore the DoC signs for gold panning or the gold walk that goes off to the right, and start the steady climb up the 4wd road. This is initially well-formed, but it gets increasingly rough the further you go, to the extent it is more like technical singletrack for a third of the run.

There are no turnoffs apart from one early on that is marked "no access". The 4wd track climbs through native bush and podocarp forest, with a few short downhills just when you think you're getting some vertical under your belt. The first 4-5km is mostly well-graded and runnable, before becoming steeper, and for the last 2-3km you are basically running up a loose streambed. From this point you start getting tantalising views back to the coastline, and of the Southern Alps inland.

The gradient eases from the 8km mark, and you pass a mast on your right hand side. Continue on as it undulates along the top, and you will see a large trig on the summit off to the right of the track. Go about 100m beyond this and keep a look out for an unmarked track through the manuka scrub on the right that heads back and up to the trig. From here there are stunning views right down the coast to Mt Cook, back up to Hokitika, and the Alps are spread out inland.

Turn around and head back the way you came. The main track does continue on for about another 1.5km towards a disused quartz mine if you want to extend it slightly.

This trail includes the peak Mount Greenland.

Have a look around the old goldfield history in Ross before or after the run

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.

Safe and plentiful parking at the DoC site

0 km

2 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Gaiters

There are DoC toilets at the car park with drinking water available. There are several small streams crossed en route, but as this is a former mining area might be best avoided.

Beware of slips after heavy rain. Will often have some snow on top in winter

Empire Hotel aka the Ross pub

Trail Legend

Delphine Touzouli

Delphine Touzouli

has completed Mount Greenland once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great run, if you like hills, then this is it! Quite rocky further up you go and track rough which is likely effect of two recent ex-cyclones hitting the West Coast. That said, the views at the top are magic! Wear trail shoes - if not for rocks, the mud and puddles in places make for a fun run up a mountain :-)

Mel Aitken

April 14, 2018

Incredible run! We have family in Ross and I've always eyed up a mission up Mt Greenland on our visits, but this time we had a longer stay and an early morning rise meant there was time to bag the Greenland Trig and have a wee explore while still having enough day left for family fun. Thanks for posting this on the directory, its a wonderful half marathon with heaps of vert

Tony Sharpe

February 15, 2018

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