Mt William LoopIntermediate - Experienced

Description

This is a really nice mix of steep technical track, open tops, route finding and smooth 4WD roads.

From the carpark head back along the road and take the steep right (now left) turn you passed. After about 100m you cross a bridge - soon after this you see a wooden sign for Myra's Track - take this and enter the bush here. Soon afterwards it crosses a 4WD track - it continues just up to the left as you cross. Initially this crosses a swampy pakihi area before entering the bush again and climbing fairly steeply for 2km.

Just before the top it winds under some overhanging rocks, then pops out above the bush line. From here you can see the trig on Mt William. Head to here. From the trig take a good look around and get your bearings. The route on is unmarked - you are heading northeast down the broad open ridge towards Cedar Creek Saddle. There is the very occasional white pole marking the route, but in general follow your nose.

There are a couple of small scrubby gullies to climb through, but in general its lovely open running amongst interesting rock formations. As the ridge narrows and prepares to enter the bush, take some time to pick up the flagged route. If you can't find it it might be better to turn back - the bush is thick and slow going, and it wouldn't be hard to get lost. Once you find the trail, however, its easy to follow. It heads down to Cedar Creek Saddle then climbs back towards point 781, passing it to the west. It then drops into a creek before coming up to meet a 4WD road under the pylons. From here head left on the main 4WD track. After a steep downhill take the left fork. It will meet the Wainmangaroa River, which you follow for a short distance, before leaving it for a gentle 2km climb back to the carpark to complete the loop.

Features of interest

Great views from Mt William, lots of mining history in the area.

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 40%

Technical Single Track: 20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 40%

Route Data