Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2024
Rakaia Rush
Submitted by Thomas Dames
Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 30 ?
10.0km
570m
570m
346m
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Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2024
Submitted by Thomas Dames
Last Updated: 23rd Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 30 ?
10.0km
570m
570m
346m
Front country - easily accessible
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.3%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
The walkway follows the rim of the gorge through spectacular geological areas, showing lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite. It then descends into a gully under a canopy of montane forest and shrub, to the site of the Snowdon coal mines. The entrances to several coal mine tunnels can be seen here, and the remains of equipment used for extraction. The track then climbs out of the creek to a signposted junction. The walkway forms a loop from this point, with the right-hand track climbing across tussock-covered terraces directly to the lookout point. The track then passes through the bush to loop back to the junction.
Historic coal mines.
Public toilets at the Rakaia Gorge Camp Ground on opposite side of the bridge.
Parking at the start of the track
17 km
16 minutes
No
No
Easy.
follow the markers
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
After 10-15 mins water can be gathered at the boat landing site
Pretty muddy in winter, ground will most likely be frozen in shady parts
The Butcher's Pie Hororata Cafe & Bar
2 Hobbs St, Hororata 7572
good pies
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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I’ve done this one a couple of times now, and I really should do it more often! Lovely trail, nice views, plenty of korimako to sing to you while you run. Can be a little busy on weekends, so consider running early and catch a spectacular mountain sunrise.
May 15, 2023
This genuinely has a bit of something for everyone. Just love the views at the upper gorge lookout, just wow. I don't know if it would be much fun after rain though, some serious dropoffs if you put a foot wrong in some areas! Good amount of vert for a 10km too. Cheers!
April 24, 2021
Great trail with nice variety in bush and open. Pretty hilly but mainly short ups and downs and the views of the bright turquoise river below is your reward. There are a couple of short muddy bits between km 3 and 4 but plently of stones to bounce across to keep your shoes clean.
April 24, 2021
Great trail to do on a sunny day for best views and to see the turquoise coloured water. Approx 70% of the walk has good tree coverage to protect against 30C+ sunshine. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the panoramic scenery.
February 1, 2021
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