Last Updated: 4th Sep 2024
Jollie Brook Loop
Submitted by Daniel Parkinson
Last Updated: 4th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 49 ?
Gnarl Factor: 58 ?
32.0km
520m
520m
700m
Last Updated: 4th Sep 2024
Submitted by Daniel Parkinson
Last Updated: 4th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 49 ?
Gnarl Factor: 58 ?
32.0km
520m
520m
700m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.4%
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5:30
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:15
Fast
From the carpark, run down to the swingbridge over the Hurunui River and then towards Gabriel Hut. This is beautiful, easy running in open grasslands with great views. Gabriel Hut is reached in no time, after 8km or so.
From the hut, run towards Jollie Brook Hut. The trail ascends slightly and travels through beautiful beech forest. The stream will need to be crossed a few times but is very small and low. Jollie Brook Hut is a great spot. From here, the trail gets more difficult. Numerous crossings of the stream are required, although the stream is rarely more than knee deep on an average person. Keep an eye out for markers on the opposite banks as you cross the stream.
After around 5km of this, you will reach an open area and sign, where you can turn off to Cold Stream Hut to bag this. This is a further 2.5km of creek bashing each way, but nice on a sunny day. The 5km return trip is included in the total distance for the run. Once back on the main trail, continue to follow and cross the Jollie Brook downstream. The area gradually opens up and comes into a farm, but there is a lot of broom here so it can be rough going. If you follow the stream you can't go wrong. Just before reaching the Hurunui river, turn right and follow the track back to the swingbridge and then back to the carpark.
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.
Plenty of parking and safe
50 km
63 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Keep an eye out for markers when crossing the stream
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
None at the huts, but plenty from clean streams (just not in the farm sections!)
Should not be attempted after heavy rain, as numerous creek crossings are required.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Fantastic scenery. We run up to Cold stream hut first then anti clockwise as we started from Jollie Brook swingbridge. There are a number of spots where the track is extremely overgrown which makes for pretty slow going in places. Took the side trip out to Lake Taylor from Gabriel’s hut which was cool. Great views & loved the river crossings. Will try it again from the sisters swingbridge going clockwise next time to compare.
January 13, 2022
AR
Have only done from the swingbridge into Cold Stream Hut and back, but that was awesome. Lots of river crossings as mentioned but levels were low enough that none were an issue. Can't wait to complete the rest of the circuit!
January 27, 2020
A pretty run. If you run it anti clockwise, it gets easier and easier with the grassland at the end.Watch the preceding weather, the splashing through the stream can turn into serious river crossings which can double the time taken, especially the slog up to the Cold Stream Hut against the flow. I had a couple of very sketchy crossings, above waist deep but as there are no rapids or falls, it is not too dangerous. Pictures added in flood just before Christmas.5 Stars in normal conditions, not really a run in flood.
January 27, 2020
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