Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023
Horopito Schmito
Submitted by Orla Drylie
Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
16.0km
325m
1035m
1527m
Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023
Submitted by Orla Drylie
Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
16.0km
325m
1035m
1527m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +2.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.5%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:45
Fast
The trail starts 500m below Turoa skifield on the left hand side as you're going up. It is the Round the Mountain Track. Follow the signs for Mangaturuturu Hut. Within 1.5km you will find yourself clambering down the amazing Cascades. Take your time as this is very slippery after rain, and can get icy during the winter months. 3km in, you will be at Mangaturuturu Hut. Left turn to the side of the hut, following the sign for Horopito Road-end. From here, follow the orange triangles for the rest of the route. There is one long, steep climb approx 4km in, but after that it is a gentle descent the whole way back to the road. It is quite boggy underfoot for a major part of this trail. From 13km to 16km, you will be on private land on a working farm, so keep to the gravel track and leave gates how you find them. No landowner permission or permits are required. As this is a one-way trail, transport will be required at either end. The trail comes out at Lahar Farms - approx 1.5km from Horopito Motors/Smashed Palace along Matapuna Road, before the intersection with Kamahi Way. It is not signposted on the road so it is easy to miss, unless you go down the gravel driveway approx 100m to the first DOC sign. No parking in this driveway, so park on Matapuna Road.
Clambering down Cascades Waterfall. Trail finishes closes to Horopito Motors/Smashed Palace
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.
Parking available at the beginning and end of the trail
17 km
21 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Follow the orange triangles. If it doubt... go downhill
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Mangaturuturu Hut has a water tank - boiling before drinking is recommended.
Streams to top up en-route - drink at your own risk
This trail should not really be attempted July-September due to icy, winter conditions and potential road closure of Ohakune Mountain Road, or access to skiers only
Icy descent on Cascades. Boggy underfoot past the hut
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Well its a trail of 2 halves. 1st half stunning varied mountain & beech forest, with couple of stream crossings (depending on flow, you'll be in for wet feet), simply awesome. 2nd half, well- from 7km mark for next 4kms is boggy, swamp/marsh. Not that deep, but just goes on & on. I ran it in Nov after a few good rain falls, but may dry out & be quite runnable late summer?? The top section makes up for bottom.
November 23, 2021
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