Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Hobson Hoedown

Great Barrier Island, Auckland

Submitted by Natalie Gallant

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 28 ?

Gnarl Factor: 25 ?

20.0km

910m

910m

627m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

Well maintained and well marked DOC trail - hard to wander off the trail! Follow Hot springs track onto Peach Tree Track, onward to Mount Heale Hut and upward to top of Mount Hobson. LOTS of steps to the summit from about 1km after Mount Heale Hut. Return the way you came.

This trail includes the peak Mount Hobson (Gt B Is).

Part of the 25Km Aotea Track loop. Hot springs (I stuck my feet in for a rest on the way back!) A few old Kauri logging relics. Beautiful view from Mt Heale Hut

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.

Parking at trailhead is free. Space for maybe 8 cars. No public transport. Can pay for car transfers but these are very expensive - $80 from Medlands campground to start of the trail... Maybe best to just thumb a lift!

16 km

26 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Patchy.

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

Water Available at the Doc Hut Mount Heale - may need to boil or take water purification tablets

Boardwalks over wet areas so even with a lot of rain this track could still be manageable. Maybe slippy in exposed areas about 2km from Mount Heale Hut

1 x Stream crossing - may swell after rainfall

My Fat Puku
Hector Sanderson Road, Claris
Great Coffee and cake!

You and Hobson Hoedown

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Trail Reviews

Very nice track, well graded. Lots of stairs but all well maintained. The section up to the mount is steep.

Jennifer Hancock

September 5, 2023

Great track, had perfect cloudy weather so not too hot. Would do again.

Andy Savage

October 20, 2022

Great track, well described. Those stairs to get you to Mt Hobson, there are a lot. A lot. But well worth the view!

Justin Kennedy-Good

January 8, 2020

Fantastic running and tramping on Great Barrier Island - we had 2 days staying up at Mt Heale Hut and had a blast running around the area. This track as described would be one of the best!

Ian Gilmour

January 6, 2020

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Aotea Track, Great Barrier Island

Aotea Track, Great Barrier Island

Length: 31.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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