Last Updated: 7th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Little Criffle A to B

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Ben Wallbank

Last Updated: 7th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 35 ?

Gnarl Factor: 47 ?

18.0km

1200m

1250m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
20%
20%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:00

Moderate

2:15

Fast

From the DOC car park follow the orange markers to a river crossing within your first 200m. This is the only crossing until the other end.

The farmland is a bit overgrown with matagouri in places, so keep an eye out for the markers. Ascend to the ridge, turn left and enjoy views of the Pisa range as you head north towards Wanaka. After about 5.5k of ridge line (after you passed the trig ) look out for a sharp left farm track - it's easily missed!

Follow this grassy 4WD track down and follow the markers (which get a bit sparce) back down to the Cardrona river again. Get some wet feet and head right away from the river (towards the main road) Pick up the markers in the paddocks and follow these until you reach the DOC Little Criffle car park (The Larches end).

This trail includes the peak Little Criffel.

Great views!

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13 km

11 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

Generally an easy route to follow with the poles. Bit tricky in low cloud or if the poles are tucked away.

Generally good.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

You cross two working sheep farms, so best to take your own.

Route and ridge will be in snow in winter season.

Trail Legend

KD

Kristen Diederich

has completed Little Criffle A to B once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great run with awesome views but as I did this in reverse the start of the descent is very overgrown and no room to get any pace up. Was still fun but probably recommend going the other way.

Adam Clifford

April 19, 2021

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Little Criffel from the Larches

Little Criffel from the Larches

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Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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