Last Updated: 5th Dec 2024
2 Sugars, 2 Vernons & a Half Shot
Submitted by Brad Spiers
Last Updated: 5th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 38 ?
21.9km
1165m
1165m
498m
Last Updated: 5th Dec 2024
Submitted by Brad Spiers
Last Updated: 5th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 38 ?
21.9km
1165m
1165m
498m
Urban fringe
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.8%
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4:30
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:30
Fast
This connects my favourite sections of other tracks (and Wild Things Route Guides) around Mt Vernon and Sugarloaf. All my favourites in one run. I also tried to get as much vertical in there as well (1163m), hence the double summit of Vernon, and of Sugarloaf.
Start up the Vernon Valley track, until you see a marker in Vernon Stream (Rock Fall Warning Sign), or you reach the power lines. Jump on to the Rapaki Road/or Bush Bash to the top. Follow the Crater Rim Track to the top of Mt Vernon via the steep goat track (Excellent views). Follow the Crater Rim to Sugarloaf, heading through two patches of trees, giving a nice alternative to the tussock.
Follow the steep track to the Trig and Antenna (Excellent views). Head down the road to the car park area, then head towards the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe. Connect with Harry Ell Track down towards Victoria Park, head through Latters Spur looking for the East side Bush Track which you follow down to the Bowenvale Valley floor. Head up Valley and join the Lava Flow MTB track.
Once at the top, head towards Sugarloaf on the MTB Track, and go on. Get up there again. Head down the road to the car park area, and towards Sign of the Kiwi, but this time divert on to Mitchell's Track to the left/East (sure have a coffee or an ice cream if you want). You circle under Sugarloaf through native bush with great views over Lyttelton Harbour.
Follow the Crater Rim Track all the way back to Mt Vernon. You know the drill, get up there again. Now descend to the Rapaki Road. Take this down a little bit, until you see a marker in Vernon Stream (Rock Fall Warning Sign) and obvious track, or you reach the power lines. Leave Rapaki Road and descend the Vernon Stream back to the car.
Excellent views from both Mt Vernon and Sugarloaf (twice)
Sign of the Kiwi Cafe Tussock, and Native Bush
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.
Good parking area
5 km
12 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Best to have a map if your not familiar with the tracks mentioned.
Perfect throughout.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Carry your own. Some available on Harry Ell Track, and at Victoria Park. (Both water fountains).
Rain would make much of this muddy. Very exposed to wind for a majority of the run.
Beware of Mt Bikers when you are in the Bowenvale Valley/Area.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and 2 Sugars, 2 Vernons & a Half Shot
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This was a great run, lots of variation. I’m not from the area (not sure of track name I was looking for), and there’s lots of different track options, so I’d often be quite a way down a route before watch told me I was off-base, so ended up with some bonus kms and vert 😂. Was great to see lots of families out walking around the trails (including the lambs!). You’re going uphill from the start (about remind for me) - good in that you don’t have to travel far from Chch to start the run, not so great if you prefer a warm-up. 😅. Great views. Blustery up the top, didn’t need my extra layers but glad I had them with me.
September 15, 2023
Thanks Brad for one of my favourite Wildthings loops on the Port Hills. Save some energy for the second big climb (up from Bowenvale to Sugarloaf via Lava Flow). The only thing I'd change would be to descend the technical trail on the nose of Sugarloaf rather than the access road, otherwise it's a doosie.
July 30, 2021
Great loop, but not to be underestimated. Good mix of technical running with enough easy flowing downhill to break up the grind. It doesn't feel like repitition somehow, and I love the cafe based theme.
June 13, 2021
Thanks Brad. Great hill work. Not too wet after the storm. Started in the dark so didn't encounter many mtber's .
June 5, 2021
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