Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Bird to Bird
Submitted by Corey Woodward
Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 51 ?
9.8km
395m
395m
483m
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Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Submitted by Corey Woodward
Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 51 ?
9.8km
395m
395m
483m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.0%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
An out and back trail from the Sign of the Kiwi to the Sign of the Bellbird on the Banks Peninsula. Park at the Sign of the Kiwi car park and then head off on the trail that starts by the monument to the left of the Cafe. The general idea on this run is to keep left when there are trail options, except when these send you down into Governor's Bay.
700m in, head right on the slightly less used trail.
1.5k cross over the Summit Road, take Crater Rim Walkway on the left.
The Crater Rim Walkway comes out at Worsleys Track/Road, cross that onto mown lawn and head through the small gate beside road.
Head along the road for 20m or so then cross over the stile into Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve and head up the hill.
At the top, cross the next stile and then take the right hand trail (Trig V), don't go left... that's Faulkners Track (not today's adventure).
Things get a bit rocky and more technical here, good views though so take your time.
3.5k you'll rejoin the Crater Rim Walkway, head left.
4.3k head left onto Ellas Track, this is more technical and has one slipped area that has been made passable by steps cut into the slope. This takes you around the harbour side of Mt Ada, good views but mind your step, the track is very narrow.
5.0k the trail rejoins the Crater Rim Walkway again, don't take it, continue to head left on Ellas Track, very rocky on this section so watch those ankles!
5.3k You emerge onto a mown grass area, head right up the hill to the Sign of the Bellbird (across the road).
Head back using the Crater Rim Walkway (at around 6.2k head straight through the cross road in the trail).
Easy from there.
This trail includes the peak Mount Ada.
Part of the Crater Rim Trail taking in native bush, volcanic ridge lines, and exposed tops.
Closest public toilet to trailhead: Council toilets beside the Sign of the Kiwi (unlocked by a Ranger, may not open until around 8am).
Easiest parking is the car park just below the Sign of the Kiwi, if full there is the option of parking on the side of the Summit Road just past the Sign of the Kiwi
10 km
18 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Water fountain at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe, near the toilets. No water available on trail, carry your own.
Very muddy after rain. Very exposed to Southerly winds, weather can change very quickly. Be prepared.
Slippery mud in some places, narrow rutted trails, and some technical rock sections along Ellas Track.
Sign of the Kiwi Cafe
Start/Finish location
Great coffee. Sell Ice cream, perfect for post-run in summer
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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KR
Great trail, bit slippery in places at this time of year. Views to the East & West can't be beaten. Last section of Ellas Track closed when I ran it today but very easy to stay on the trail and continue the run.
July 8, 2021
Ran this with Corey on a Macpac Muster and had an absolute ball, this trail has a bit of everything but is absolutely overloaded with stunning views, this will be the thing that will slow you down. Having a knowledge of the tracks, a gpx file on your watch or a map would help as there are lots of options when you are up there.
April 26, 2021
Great to explore some lesser used side trails. Mind the blackberry bramble as you approach Sign of the Bellbird. What a fun loop!
January 29, 2021
Always a great run - nice undulating terrain with just enough rocks to keep it interesting, stunning views and ice cream at the end!
November 29, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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