Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%
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4:30
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:15
Fast
Start from the Crown Saddle end as this gives you 500m of nett descent.
From the car park cross the stile on to the signposted 4WD track that zigzags its way up the hill. You stay on this the whole way along the first 18 kms - it undulates, sometimes drops in front or behind the main ridge, and sometimes on the ridge itself.
Over kms 16-18 the trail starts dropping to Tuohys Saddle. At the point where the Roaring Meg Pack Track joins from the right cross the stile and turn right for a short uphill to another junction (don't follow the equally obvious but unsigned 4WD track that is straight ahead/bearing left.)
At this next junction turn left and start the long downhill into the valley. Follow the poled across fields at the end to reach the car park where you hopefully dropped a car a few hours beforehand.
This trail includes the peaks Quartz Knoll and Mount Allen .
Stunning views for miles around in every direction, including deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
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You'll need to shuttle cars for this one. Leave one car at the start/finish of the Roaring Meg Pack Track (take the gravel road off Cardrona Rd as if heading for the Snow Farm but take the first right off this after just a hundred metres or so, then follow signs through a couple of gates.) Your other car can take you to the summit of the Crown Range where there's a large car park.
38 km
32 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
When not covered in snow the track is very obvious and well signposted so shouldn't present any navigational difficulties. However, in snow or with poor visibility navigation can be much harder as there's a notable lack of route poles along the way.
Generally good.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There are no reliable sources of drinking water along the route. Take your own with you.
This is an exposed route, so whatever the weather is doing you'll know all about it. Be prepared for anything, especially wind chill.
The exposure of the route is the main thing to be aware of. Go prepared.
Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Village
http://cardronahotel.co.nz
Historic pub with the best beer garden in NZ, a roaring fire, good selection of drinks and food. The perfect post-run refuelling spot!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rock Peak Track
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I did this in reverse and finished at the Crown Range carpark. I was surprised how scenic it got along the top section, it felt like you were in the middle of nowhere. Really enjoyable little run.
February 26, 2019