Last Updated: 9th Oct 2024

Beginner

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New Kakapiko Loop

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 9th Oct 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 11 ?

Gnarl Factor: 14 ?

8.9km

320m

325m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

48%
32%
8%
7%
5%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:50

Fast

From the Carpark enter the link track... please note that it is two way, mtb and walk/run so be on the lookout for bikes.

Follow the track through the gate about 250m in and continue on the forestry/4wd track to about the 1.7km point where you reach an intersection. At the intersection head over the road to the obvious uphill forestry road.

You then have just over 2km of continuous uphill, mostly not too steep and runnable. There are several offshoots to the road, but stay on the clear and pretty obvious main road to the top.
When you reach the top - you will know as there is a big transmitter tower in front of you - take the left hand of the 3 options (signed with No Brains - see photo).

This takes you up to the start of that mtb trail and a cool lookout to Green Lake. Get your pic and continue on the track around behind the transmitter and back to where you will be in the centre option, turn hard left (again see pic) and follow this trail - not always obvious at the start - for about 400m to the sign that say Walking Track and away you go... a kilometre of wonderful native bush (mainly) single trail, predominantly downhill.

You will then come out on a trail, turn left, follow the trail to the forestry road and turn left again. You then have about 1.5km on this trail to the original intersection where you turn right and retrace your steps to your car.

This trail includes the peak Kakapiko.

Wonderful views over Rotorua and to the South. Then from the top a great view of Green Lake. The single trail from the top was built for the Legend of the Peaks race.

None.

Parking for 8 - 10 vehicles comfortably.

11 km

10 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

There may be windfall in the downhill single trail, look around and the obvious trail should be clear.

Perfect throughout.

Waterproof leggings, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Nothing drinkable.

Trail Legend

Ben Alton

Ben Alton

has completed New Kakapiko Loop once in the last year.

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