Last Updated: 22nd Jul 2024
Dune Bugging
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 22nd Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
10.0km
60m
60m
15m
Last Updated: 22nd Jul 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 22nd Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
10.0km
60m
60m
15m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -0.4%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the carpark pick up the trail into the dunes. This goes all the way to South Head at the Waimakariri Mouth. Sections of it are very sandy (being dunes and all) so expect your rate of travel to be slower and involve more effort than is normal.
The track winds its way through the dunes, occasionally popping up high enough for expansive ocean views, and affords pleasant vistas out across Brooklands Lagoon, where there used to be a whole suburb which sadly had to be abandoned due to the 2010 &11 earthquakes. As you get closer to the north end there's a bit more forest and you pop out on the South Bank of the Waimakariri River mouth - a very interesting area. Return on the same trail, or for a nice alternative head back along the beach. It's best to avoid high tide for this trail. When its not close to high tide its better as the sand is firmer for fast running. Don't miss the carpark entrance if you return this way - if you reach a surf club you went too far!
Brook lands Lagoon, Waimakariri River mouth, Coastal dune habitats
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Plenty of parking where the trail starts
16 km
24 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
If you lose the trail just head for the beach
Patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
BYO water- you can fill yup round the campground at the start too
No issues
Mind the tides on the coastal return
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Dune Bugging
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BP
For where this is, it’s a wee gem. Got to say, I was definitely a ‘sand masochist’! Took a quick trip to burn off some Christmas calories whilst camping with the family at Spencer Park. Needless to say, the dunes out were soft, dry and hot (except a couple of wetland flooded sections to wet the feet). Kept thinking the return will be flatter, faster and easier… but the tide high, making for very soft, off camber, hard work. Loved it.
December 28, 2022
This would make a wonderful horse ride. Much softer sand than the dune trails around Brighton. Definitely pick the tides right and cone back via beach unless you're a sand masochist!
November 20, 2021
Ran this as a recovery run - my glutes/bum do not think it was a recovery run, but my feet loved the soft sand :) This is the second time I've run this bit of trail. I think it is a rarely-used gem -- hardly saw a soul both times. I am so used to the Port Hills so the big wetlands are a great change of scenery, and it's so good for the soul to run back along the beach. Love it.
May 9, 2021
Its a sand buffet, soft, firm, deep, wet - all your favorite types.
Took longer than i thought but it was enjoyable, missed the turnoff on the way back.
April 26, 2021
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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