Last Updated: 10th Jun 2024
Lower Sutherland Stream Trail, Taylor View Track, Split Apple Peak Track, Lower Quail Stream Trail, Twin Tanks Track
Submitted by James Crockett
Last Updated: 10th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 9 ?
16.0km
562m
563m
387m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.8%
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2:20
Slow
1:50
Moderate
1:20
Fast
One of my favorite hill runs!! Tough and challenging, but highly rewarding with some of the best views in Marlborough. Most days the North Island is easily visible.
Head east from Rifle range or Quail Stream Car parks, taking the lower route until you come to Redwood Street.
From there its a short little section south along the road until you reach the Mt Vernon car park.
Take the Lower Sutherland Stream Trail which undulates for about 2km then hang a left and start the big climb up the Covenant Track to the Mt Vernon Lookout (water fountain here).
Follow the trail around (add in the the trig climb as well if you really hate your legs..) along Split Apple track until you meet another junction on Reservoir Ridge (water here as well....sometimes).
Continue along the ridge on Taylor View Track which starts dropping more gradually until you reach the water tanks, where you turn right on to Lower Quail Stream. This takes you down to Quail Junction with a toilet and another water stop. From here its North up Lower Quail Stream through the bush to Quail Stream car park, and back to the start!!
This trail includes the peak Mount Vernon .
Check out the "Airstrip" near the Mount Vernon Stonehenge Lookout - would make for some interesting landings....
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.
Rifle Range: Water and toilets
Quail Stream (top of Forest Park Drive) Water and Toilets
Redwood Street: NO WATER OR TOILETS
5 km
8 minutes
No
No
Easy.
There are detailed maps at each of the major car parks to plan your run, if new to the area i would suggest mapping it out first here, the tracks are all really well signed so shouldnt have any issues getting lost.
Perfect throughout.
Windproof jacket, Cellphone
Water is available on various points of the run, however some times they have been not working so i always carry at least a hand held.
The water at the car parks is generally always working, just the ones on the track at the Mt Vernon Lookout and Ridge-line can be pretty temperamental.
ALWAYS be prepared for wind! Some of the ridges are very exposed and can get cold. track is still good to run in the wet and in really good condition!
Watch out for livestock (sheep and cows) and cyclists. Its a working farm, as well as dual purpose tracks in places.
Old Bank Tavern
81 Cleghorn Street, Redwood Town
https://www.facebook.com/paradise.net.nz/
Great selection of local brews... and hot chips!!!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Vernon Ridgeline
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I ran this twice to make it a 30km, thoroughly recommended, and theres a merciful water source via a council water fountain just as you re-enter the bush around three-quarters of the way round the loop. Recommended.
July 2, 2020
DB
Great run if ya visiting Blenheim. Close to town. Nice big climb with views that make it worth it. Must do if ya in town.
August 30, 2017
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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