Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.7%
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4:00
Slow
2:45
Moderate
2:00
Fast
Follow the DOC signs for Rangiwahia hut. This is an easy part of the trail to follow, continuing upwards with good view points and a couple of swing bridges to cross. Comes out at Rangiwahia Hut, this part can be run in 45minutes.
Continue past Rangiwahia Hut - this is now in the open tops and navigation can be more challenging, especially in poor visibility, and there are numerous paths that can be chosen, follow the best route and orange triangles.
Turn R) up to Mangahuia (not left to Triangle Hut) and from highest point turn R) onto Deadman's Track.
First part of the downhill is very technical and steep with a drop on one side, care required.
Eventually this opens out into moderate trail and then easier trail, and once off the tops, easy enough to follow trail and markers down the hill.
This trail includes the peak Mangahuia.
Short relatively quick access to "The Tops" of the Ruahine ranges with great views.
Pass Rangiwahia Hut on the way up to Managhuia 1583metres.
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Remote location, so lock car, plenty of parking.
62 km
56 minutes
Yes
No
Very hard.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map
Available at Rangiwahia Hut
Very exposed to elements, can change quickly in Alpine conditions, can snow in the winter, wind can be very cold
Weather, mud, terrain, finding the track.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rangiwahia Hut - Deadmans Track
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Great circuit - some parts you have no idea where the trial is as overgrown - views are worth it. Can be quite exposed so make sure you take suitable gear with you as would hate to be caught out.
May 23, 2022
Did it as my birthday run, couldn't have chosen a more beautiful route, A bit overgrown in parts but still amazing,
May 9, 2021
Great track. The track is in excellent condition up to the hut. Nice gentle start then a bit of a climb. From the hut it is fun running on the ridge until the snow. Bit slow with the snow and mud on the track but amazing views, including Mt Ruapehu and the snowy Ruahines. The steep section down from the top mentioned in the notes wasn't too bad, even with the snow. Fun running for the descent and the track is in good condition. Keen to come back when I am fitter and in summer with no snow to get a better time and experience the great views again.
August 1, 2020