Urban fringe
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Gravel Road
Average Uphill Gradient: +3.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.4%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:00
Fast
An easy, pleasant run in Riverhead Forest on forestry roads so nothing technical. From start gate follow Long Bush Road for 1km then left up Link Rd then right following Barlow Road until it connects with Long Bush Road around 5km. Follow Long Bush Road (the main road, fairly obvious) until it reaches the intersection with Rahanui Road. Turn right and head north following Rahanui Road to the northern end of the forest, terminating at Bald Hill Road, where there is another entrance gate. Good views north here. Head back south following the same track until the Barlow Road/Long Bush Road intersection. Option to return on same track or take Long Bush Road which returns to the start. To get to 29km turn around at Link Road at the 25km mark and repeat the Long Bush Road climb (1.5km) then back to start.
Some nice views to the south east around the 4km mark. Nice farmland views at the northern end of the forest.
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.
Plenty of parking on gravel road outside gate at northern end of Forestry Road. Can be busy on weekends as numerous groups use the forest for various activities but should always find a park. Public transport on surrounding roads but nothing direct to start.
27 km
24 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Generally follows the main road which is obvious as being the widest road. If in doubt follow Long Bush Road. Generally well sign posted.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Not aware of any options for water.
Can be very dry during summer months, and muddy/slippery during winter and after rain, although the forestry roads are generally fine all year round. Exposed in parts but can easily shelter in the pine trees if needed.
Large trees so avoid in high winds.
Hallertau Brewery
1171 Coatesville-iverhead Highway
http://www.hallertau.co.nz
Great beers, great food, great atmosphere.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and S2N2S
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Great one for a long run. The road is slanted all the way, which made my ankles complain at the end, but overall not technical.
July 11, 2020
First run out in Riverhead and can see exactly why people keep coming back for more! The run flew by and I didn't want it to be over. You don't realize how much you have been running downhill until the turn around point, a bit slower pace on the return than expected until back at the top again. Looking forward to trying more and more out here soon.
June 5, 2020
Fantastic all weather course, with plenty of opportunities to increase your distance via other forestry roads.
August 21, 2019
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.