Last Updated: 3rd Nov 2023
Hawkdun Ridge Run Loop
Mount Ida Water Race
Oteake Conservation Park
Submitted by Daniel Pettigrew
Last Updated: 3rd Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 46 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
32.3km
1325m
1330m
Last Updated: 3rd Nov 2023
Oteake Conservation Park
Submitted by Daniel Pettigrew
Last Updated: 3rd Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 46 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
32.3km
1325m
1330m
Back country - remote
Loop
Very hilly
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.2%
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7:00
Slow
5:30
Moderate
4:00
Fast
Starting at the Home Hills Runs Road entry gate to Oteake Conservation Park, cross the gate and follow the vehicle track past a further carpark at the base of the Hawkdun range at around 3km.
From here the track gets steeper and eventually rougher (though still vehicle track) until it reaches the ridge line a little beyond 8km. Enjoy the views on the way up as they progressively open up over the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys.
The vehicle track now curves away to the northwest and what follows is a 10km undulating ridge run over a broad ridge with spectacular views into the Oteake hinterland with both Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring visible on a good day. Ignore any tracks to the right - you are following the ridge with only occasional minor departures from the ridgeline proper.
At around 18.5km the route departs from the ridgeline vehicle track to the southwest down a steeper and rougher trail. What follows is a rapid but runnable descent all the way down to the Mount Ida water race track. At the junction with this turn left and follow the water race all the way to Pierces Gorge where another vehicle track to the right crosses the stream and takes you down to Home Hills Road.
Turn left along the gravel road and a 4.5km run will get you back to your car.
The Mount Ida Water Race Views to the Southern Alps including Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring.
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.
You can use the parking point at the entry gate but there is a designated parking area at the base of the Hawkduns and also at the start of the Pierce's Gorge/Mt Ida Water Race track that you pass at the end of the trail portion of the run. There is plenty of parking space at each of these areas.
19 km
35 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Make sure that you keep don't take a right turn at any point along the ridgeline. There are several trails and vehicle tracks which head into the Oteake hinterland. The route keeps to the ridgeline until it takes the left turn to descend to the water race.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Water is available at the water race from 24 to 27km. Otherwise there are limited options for getting water, especially on the ridgeline in summer.
High potential for snow in winter (and even spring and autumn) making following the route hazardous without good route finding GPS as the trail may be obscured. Be prepared for potential weather changes too. The ridgeline is very exposed.
Lots of loose rocks along the ridgeline and on top parts of the tracks up and down. A few muddy patches on the way down can likewise get slippery.
The Royal Hotel
Naseby
https://www.royalhotel.co.nz/
Great food and beer
Gilchrist's Store
Oturehua
https://www.gilchriststore.co.nz/store
Best spot in the Maniototo for a post run ice cream
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hawkdun Ridge Run Loop
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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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