Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%
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2:40
Slow
1:50
Moderate
1:20
Fast
Heads off from the bottom of the hill at the end of Quartzville Rd. The track follows a 4WD farm track all the way up the hill past Carricktown. Just after crossing into the Young Australian Historic Reserve you can see the large water wheel, there is a small bit of single track down and around the historical remains. Then it is back up to the main track and off down the hill to where you began.
Carricktown - abandoned gold mining era town
Young Australian water wheel
Great views of Cromwell and surrounding areas
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Plenty of parking at the start of the track.
10 km
12 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Follows 4WD track
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There is a water race at about 1100m asl, but I would only drink out of that if desperate.
During the winter and possibly either side there will be snow up the top. It is a very changeable area, so make sure you are prepared for cold weather to blow in.
Bannockburn Hotel
Bannockburn Rd, Bannockburn
http://bannockburnhotel.com/
Closest place for a beer once you are done!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Young Australian
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Sweet little trail with commanding views of the surrounding Central otago landscape, carry water as it can be dry in warmer weather up on the range, saw an amazing storm pass north of me, very special park of the world!
October 18, 2021
A fun wee climb with great views of Cromwell. A well formed easy going track.
May 15, 2020
RC
Being this time of year there is a lot of snow melt starting to happen, so some parts were quite boggy and the conditions can change very quickly so take extra layers for sure! Most of the track is 4WD so nice and wide, and some rocky terrain. A challenging climb to the Water Wheel and surrounding relics, great views from the top across Cromwell & all the surrounding iconic mountain ranges... stunning 360 degree views of the region. I am more of a beginner runner (power hiking up the hills!) and took a few photos too so the 14.5km trip I did today took me 3hrs 34 minutes :) This track will be great training for a few races coming up.
August 12, 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.