Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.5%
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1:30
Slow
1:10
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the carpark, head up the road and continue up the L) trail (don't cross bridge) along the Sledge track. The track is well formed and has a few little climbs up steps and slopes. This is running through the native forest.
Around 2.5km in, there will be the swing bridge on the R) side. Head across the bridge. If you are on Strava there is a FKT segment for the climb up this side. The climb is steep, with switchbacks and can be slippery, once you reach the top it will open into the deforested area. Once on the top, you are following the signs to the R) toward the Carpark (if confused generally just continue straight on), undulating along prior to dropping down to the main intersection with the Mountain Bike trails.
This is ZIg Zag Road, and there is a large concrete pipe and park map in front of you. Go through the pipe and then continue for 20 metres before turning onto Pupurahi (mountain bikes use this as an uphill), make sure you don't enter the trails marked with a No Walking sign. Follow Pupurahi down until you reach the native forest again and you will come out onto Back Track. Turn R) and this will take you back down to the beginning area, around 1km.
If you need to run further, then do another loop in reverse :-D
Arapuke Swing Bridge is new in 2017 to link Sledge Track and Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, spanning approx 20 metres across the stream below.
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.
Large carpark at the end with toilet. No public transport.
18 km
26 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Track is generally well marked, there is some cell phone reception.
Once in the Arapuke Mountain bike park, the trails will eventually lead you down to the finish.
Patchy.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, Cellphone
There is no readily available water, carry your own out there.
Can be exposed to the elements up on top of the hill
Once in Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, watch out for mountain bikes.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Sledge-Arapuke Swing Bridge Climb
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LF
Loved the first half through the bush on the Sledge Track and the climb following the swing bridge was awesome. Coming down the mountain bike trails not as enjoyable. Following Sledge track for a few more km’s and trying the toe toe track which looks like a loop or the Otangane Loop might be an option if I can get fitter!
September 20, 2023
Great track, did this in the dark! Saw lots of native critters out on the ground, trees and track.
June 13, 2021
This is a killer circut and so enjoyable - can be looped with other tracks in the MTB for a great day out of up and downs :)
October 3, 2020
Nice easy trail, less the climb out of Sledge Track. Sledge track is perfect trail running with beautiful surroundings, undulating trail that is runnable but needs a little attention to avoid the small rocks. The climb up is steep but made easier by zig zags and a few stairs. Once on top it is all smooth trails and easy running back down to the carpark with great views.
July 22, 2020