Last Updated: 16th Apr 2024
McLaren Falls Lakeside Loop
Submitted by Shane Bowling
Last Updated: 16th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
5.3km
190m
190m
174m
Last Updated: 16th Apr 2024
Submitted by Shane Bowling
Last Updated: 16th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
5.3km
190m
190m
174m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Lakeside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.8%
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50:00
Slow
40:00
Moderate
25
Fast
Starting from the carpark below Rotary camp follow the Lakeside walkway southwest towards Top Flat until you hit the road. Hang a left and follow the trail alongside the road for 200m and then take the entry to the Pine Tree Knoll lookout track on the right hand side of the road. Take the right fork and head up to the lookout.
After descending down you will join the Ponga Grove track and towards the end cross a small grassy area into Nikau track. Keep right at the junction with the Waterfall track and soon you will be at the waterfall where you will cross the stream.
At the exit of the Waterfall track head straight across the road and pickup the little trail down to the lake side. Turn right for an out and back section along the lakefront.
Turn around when you hit the road and return along the Lakeside trail, crossing the bridge at Cherry Bay and carry on back to the car park.
Waterfall, glowworms, dam.
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.
Car parks are available at the start point or on the road into McLaren Falls park.
0 km
0 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Lots of little trails to pick and mix. It is worth it having a look at the map board located in most of the parking areas.
Generally good.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone
Water avaialble at campsites
Opening hours for park gates are:
Summer from 7.30am to 7.30pm, when daylight saving starts
Winter from 7.30am to 5.30pm, when daylight saving ends
Outside these times need to park at carpark on McLaren falls road
The Falls Cafe
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and McLaren Falls Lakeside Loop
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ED
Enjoyed the quietness of the trail head cark park. Dispite the longer drive, I can see why this was picked rather that more busy social area.
Lot's of facilities, toilet and water fountains dotted around the park and cell reception.
February 11, 2024
Real fun run made even better by the heavy rain that made the waterfalls look stupendous. If you're wanting to add some distance (will make total run about 11 and a half kms) tack on the Ruahihi Canal loop which is perfect for doing some strides/intervals. Access is at the end of Lakeside Track just across McLaren Falls Road.
January 28, 2023
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