Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Mt William Loop

Westport, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 26

Gnarl Factor: 62

12.9km

720m

720m

1067m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
20%
40%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:00

Fast

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.

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

Plenty of parking, no public transport

28 km

31 minutes

Yes

No

Hard.

If you can't find the bush track entrance off the tops, retrace your steps and go back the way you came.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Compass, Map.

Plenty of tarns on the tops. River water is best avoided due to mining contamination over the years

Very exposed on the tops

Trail Legend

JG

Julia Gear

has completed Mt William Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Tried the trip in reverse and picked the wrong ribbons to follow shortly after the turnoff under the pylon. That was a bushbash on a hunter's route but the pink ribbons took us on a more direct route coming out on the hill just above the poled route before dropping into the saddle. Will definitely try the burnt orange/burgandy ribbons next time! Great views from the ridge.

Sharon Davis

October 17, 2021

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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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