Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.6%
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1:10
Slow
0:55
Moderate
0:40
Fast
From the car park, take the obvious walking track to the West. After a few hundred metres, at the T intersection, turn right. Follow the track down to the road, cross the road, and continue on to the bridge over the river. From here, you have the option of running the route clockwise or anti-clockwise. Anti-clockwise is most peoples preferred option, as the downhill part is more undulating and a little more interesting from a technical perspective. Either way, the track is obvious and well marked.
Track passes the old gold mining Hut of Sam Summers. Close to the hut you'll find old gold mine tailings, and an interesting channel cut through the rock. The DOC sign posts will explain all!
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 safe car parking area, with a long drop toilet.
12 km
14 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
The only point at which you could leave this track, is at the intersection with the Lake Dispute track. The DOC signs however are very clear at this point.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
There are a couple of points where it's possible to access the creek, however, the run is short, and the need for water low.
In winter, the descent after Sam Summers Hut (anti-clockwise direction) can be very icy.
There are some very steep drop offs along parts of the track. A trip or a fall could have serious consequences!
Smiths Brewery
Shotover Street
http://www.smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Awesome Beer!
Vudu Cafe and Larder
Beach Street
http://www.vudu.co.nz
Great coffee and pastries.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt. Crichton Loop
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Nice short loop track with something for everyone. Be sure to give it a go in both directions for some variety of undulation and on the go views.
June 14, 2021
Everything you could want in a 7km after work run... views, waterfalls, a historic hut, mountains and even some snow tonight... just a wee gem...
July 24, 2020
DD
Awesome run,feel an hours a bit of a challenge for a novice or an old bugger like me.
July 12, 2020
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.