Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Minaret Burn Track (short)
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 9 ?
19.8km
450m
450m
380m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 9 ?
19.8km
450m
450m
380m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Lakeside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.8%
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2:45
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:45
Fast
The Minaret Burn Track leaves from the car park and starts with a couple of kms of nice single track, with a couple of decent little hills to get you warmed up.
It then joins the farm track - turn right and follow the trail for just short of another 8km. You go over one small saddle and drop to Colquhouns Flat. Two or three small side streams need to be negotiated (no problems keeping feet dry in normal flows) before you reach the slightly wider/fuller Rumbling Burn. This is the turnaround point for the short version of this run, but if you want to continue you'll be in for a BIG climb up the zigzags on the other side of the stream.
Re-trace your steps, enjoy the views of Colquhouns Beach and, as you descend back to the start, the stunning view across the Matukituki River mouth to Roys Peak and other classic Wanaka hills.
Stunning views of the high mountains all around Lake Wanaka.
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.
Parking is limited but this is not a well used track so shouldn't be an issue.
22 km
27 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Once on the farm track stay on it - there are a couple of other farm tracks coming in from the left (marked Private) that you ignore and at about 9km there's the Rumbling Burn Track taking off to your left. Ignore this too (unless you're on a mission to bag the Buchanans!)
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Don't drink from any of the smaller trickles that cross the track in the first 8k. Take enough water to get you to the turnaround where it's safe to fill up from Rumbling Burn Stream.
The track never gets more than about 100m above lake level but it can still cop a wind so be prepared. In winter it can be icy and the stream crossings call for getting cold, wet feet or risking a slip off an icy stepping stone (I know, I've done it!)
This is a dual use track so keep eyes and ears peeled for mountain bikers.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Minaret Burn Track (short)
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Beautiful run, but all 3x I've done this track I have met some unfriendly cattle around the 5 km mark, once been stomped at. So if you're like me and afraid of large mammals, run with a group!
September 15, 2023
A fun undulating run. Be prepared for a wee bit of mud through some farmland but the reward is the beautiful beaches at the end.
May 28, 2020
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