Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Buffalo Girl Trail - Tect Park
Submitted by Noeline Best
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 21 ?
9.1km
240m
240m
544m
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Submitted by Noeline Best
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 21 ?
9.1km
240m
240m
544m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%
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1:50
Slow
1:30
Moderate
0:50
Fast
From the carpark, start at the white gate in the corner and follow the gravel road to complete the loop anti-clockwise. At about 1.25km you'll reach an intersection - bear left and follow the red Buffalo Girl markers. At about 1.9km take another left off the gravel road at the next red marker. From this point, it will turn from gravel to trail. At the 4km mark, at the next intersection, bear left again (still following the red markers). At this point the trail will drop down into the bush. If it has been raining, it can get quite slippery and muddy (I've tumbled more than once...).
At 4.7km you'll hit a small river crossing - there are two smaller water crossings within the next km. At about 6.2km the trail will meet a gravel road at the entrance to the Rifle Range. At this point, turn left and follow the road for about half a km before turning back into the bush at the next red marker. At 7.6km you'll be back on gravel for a short while as you run up to the model flying club. You'll see another red marker on the left directly opposite the flying club at the 8km mark. Follow this last track past the 'Lost Tank' side track - 200m further along, you will pop out just before the white gate at the corner of the carpark again.
Just before the end of the loop, you have the opportunity to 'discover' the Lost Tank. This is a short 300m return off the main track.
There's a toilet at trail head at MTB Hub.
There is a big gravel area for parking. Have never had any trouble here, but obviously keep your car locked and valuables out of sight. Please be aware that mobile phone coverage is almost non-existent, apart from a couple of areas on the high peaks, so make sure someone knows where you are going. I generally run this on a Sunday at 9am and it is always empty at this time of day, with more cars in the car park at the end of the run.
35 km
27 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Follow the Red Trail Markers for 'Buffalo Girl'
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Take water with you.
Can get very muddy after rain and gets quite icy in winter. I always take a camelbak with water and thermal gear in winter as it can get cold. To check weather conditions, look up the temperatures for 'Ngawaro', as this will be the most accurate. Check the Tect Park website for summer / winter hours and any events that may be on at the time.
You can generally get across the river crossing with dry feet by bouncing (carefully) across exposed rocks. Some parts of the trail are full of clay, and can be very slippery at any time of year (worse in winter).
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Was at TECT at 4.30pm and encountered no one, so dont be put off by thinking you're running on mountain bike trails. Trails are a bit non-descript but still nice to be out away from the distractions of life. Thanks for sharing Noeline.
February 17, 2020
Walk was easy to follow and the stream crossings were a welcome extra. The rest of it was a bit boring
January 5, 2020
This is one of my favourite local trail loops. As well as being dog friendly, it has a number of extension options to boost the km’s for a longer run. It is very rarely that you encounter anyone else if you head out when the park opens. One point to note, the park is usually 5 degrees cooler than Tauranga weather, so take layers :)
February 6, 2018
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