Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.0%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
The track starts right beside the information board. There may be a pocket guide to take with you in a clear plastic box on the sign. All fence crossings are equipped with little gates just for walkers so you don’t need to bother with the big gates.
Once through the first paddock beside the fence the track becomes a grassy 4WD farm track all the way. It also climbs the whole way! The junction of the loop is marked with a signpost advising that the clockwise route is the steeper. Taking the right hand or anticlockwise choice sends you around the back of the hill, it’s well signposted all the way. Mt. Cass finally comes into sight with radio masts in it. At the lookout, which is the track summit, there are picnic tables and plenty of photo opportunities. From there it’s downhill all the way back to the loop junction and finally the carpark.
Limestone outcrops and the site of an old lime quarry. Some native bush and birds about. Fantastic views in all directions as you get higher up.
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.
A small carpark is accessed via a gate off the roadside beside some sheep yards. It’s well signposted.
14 km
11 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
None.
It’s totally exposed all the way, no cover or shelter at all.
Paris Bakery Cafe
96b Carters Rd, Amberley
Awesome croissants but you’re best to get in early!
Amberley Tearooms, the blue dairy.
98 Carters Rd, Amberley
Huge ice creams
NorWester Cafe
95 Main North Rd, Amberley
https://www.norwestercafe.co.nz/
Coffee, and sticky buns.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Cass Clamber
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I wish I read Tony's recommendation, beforehand, to go clockwise. That way you move towards the amazing views across Pegasus Bay to the Port Hills. Mind you, the views of North Canterbury are none to shabby either. Huge quantity of rocky boulders make it a great place for a 'clamber' at the top. Not dog friendly. Notices clearly state that dogs found on the property will be shot so don't bring your dog unless it has a bullet proof jacket!
November 20, 2020
I thought the limestone formations were spectacular, this ridge it turns out is a notable feature of the area and will be markedly altered if a proposed wind farm goes ahead.
July 7, 2020
What a wee gem. Was here with the whole family today, great loop but definitely recommend following the clockwise option, the views just seem to work better that way. Cheers!
July 4, 2020