Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.7%
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2:45
Slow
2:10
Moderate
1:40
Fast
From the car park, cross the stile and follow the Puniho Track through the bush. Being the edge of a volcano, this track steepens as you go higher. It breaks out of the bush just once part-way up and again at the top of the climb.
There are two side-trails on the way up. Ignore both of these and keeping following the signs to Kahui Hut. After reaching the high point the trail heads across/down the mountain slopes, getting quite technical in tangled bush/scrub. After some 1.5k of this you'll reach the hut. Unfortunately there are no expansive views but it's still a good spot to grab a bite to eat and a breather before re-tracing your steps. From the highest point back down you're in for a beautiful downhill treat!
This run takes you through lovely native bush to one of the huts on the Round The Mountain Circuit and includes a great downhill return leg.
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.
There is a small parking area at the end of the road. The Puniho Track starts from here.
39 km
37 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Just follow the signs
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
There's tank water at Kahui Hut unless it's been a very dry spell
Always the potential for wet, muddy conditions and from late autumn to early spring snow is a real possibility on the highest sections of the trail.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Kahui Hut
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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.