Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Kawarau River Track

Cromwell, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 20 ?

Gnarl Factor: 14 ?

24.0km

210m

210m

230m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Riverside

Lakeside

Run Makeup

10%
80%
10%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +3.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -3.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:20

Moderate

1:45

Fast

Head down Butchers Drive from the Memorial Hall carpark and then follow the yellow marker posts. The track follows the lake/river all the way around to the Mining Center in the Kawarau Gorge. On the way it ducks under the Bannockburn bridge so you do not need to cross the road.

Heaps of mining remnants.
Nice bridge across Kawarau River.

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Heaps of parking at the Memorial Hall in main carpark - or down at the lake if you'd like.

2 km

4 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Follow yellow markers.
At the Bannnockburn end of the track as you come out the gate onto the gravel area, the track continues on the other side and goes down and under Bannockburn bridge.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Nope, none on track.

Make sure you take water during summer - it gets pretty damn hot!
Frosty cold mostly in winter, so an extra layer (or two) is a good idea.

Loose rocks

You and Kawarau River Track

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Trail Reviews

Agree with Mike, there is more undulations than expected going across the old gold workings. Don't let this put you off as they are short and sharp. There is always beauty scenery to distract.
As of November 2023, the track is a little indistinct the closer you get to Goldfields but you can't get lost, just maybe a bit of back tracking once in awhile ;-).

Brian Aitken

November 18, 2023

Good picturesque trail with lots of photo opps… gets rather more undulating than expected after the bridge and my vert came in at 545m so be ready. Lots of fun single trail sections along parallel to the main cycle trail, easier on the feet too. You can even grab a beer at the turnaround!

Mike Tennent

April 10, 2023

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