Last Updated: 13th Jun 2024
Speargrass - Robert Ridge
Submitted by Malcolm Law
Last Updated: 13th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 54 ?
Gnarl Factor: 76 ?
22.5km
1200m
1200m
1788m
Last Updated: 13th Jun 2024
Submitted by Malcolm Law
Last Updated: 13th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 54 ?
Gnarl Factor: 76 ?
22.5km
1200m
1200m
1788m
Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.8%
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6:00
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
From the car park follow the Speargrass Track as it makes its roots, rocky way through beech forest down to Speargrass Creek, which it follows closely for a short while before climbing away and eventually back down to cross it at about the 6.5k mark. This crossing is made on a footbridge and immediately on the other side turn left, following the sign for the Speargrass - Angelus Route.
You are now on a very sketchy trail heading south. At first it can be quite hard to follow through the bush so keep a sharp eye out for red triangles marking the way. As you get higher and the bush thins it gets easier to follow but the going remains rough and the obvious route is, in places, washed out. There are frequent stream crossings but eventually the poled route leaves the creek bed heading right and uphill towards the Robert Ridge.
Eventually you'll top out on the main ridge and start drinking in the views. Turn left (north) rather than right towards Angelus Hut. the next few kms are spectacular but very technical, involving boulder hopping and requiring a decent head for heights. Eventually though the going eases and the trail starts its steady descent towards the north.
Stay on the ridge all the way past the ski club shelter (don't go right to Bushline Hut) and soon the trail re-enters the beech forest and starts it's zigzagging descent back to the car park. This final 2.5k is the fastest running of the day and is a classic downhill romp - enjoy!
This trail includes the peaks Mount Robert, Julius Summit and Flagtop.
Stunning views east to the Kaikoura Range and west towards Kahurangi NP from all along the Robert Ridge - one of the truly great ridge runs of the world in my opinion!
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.
Plenty of safe parking & information board and toilets
7 km
12 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Much of this run follows a poled route & it pays to keep a sharp eye out for the next marker - could be tricky in poor visibility so map & compass skills are a handy backup.
Very patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
Stacks of water available from streams that you cross on the Speargrass Track and up the lower part of Speargrass Creek. But make sure to fill up from the creek before the poled route leaves it and strikes out for Robert Ridge as there is NO more water available past this point and you have a LONG way to go still!
Speargrass Track can be very muddy and slippery after rain.
Robert Ridge is very exposed and in winter conditions can be lethal. If there's snow on the tops (or forecasted) do NOT attempt this route unless you are very experienced with, and equipped for, serious winter conditions.
The first section of the Robert Ridge is gnarly in any conditions - lots of boulder hopping and exposure. Watch your footing and take your time. In winter the whole of the ridge is very exposed with ice & snow making it treachorous.
Alpine Lodge
St Arnaud
http://www.alpinelodge.co.nz
Very convivial bar/restaurant, especially on a cold day when the open fire is roaring. Great food, beer & coffee. Wonderful (and entertaining!) hospitality from your hosts Leighton & Alex. Wonderful place - recommend staying a night or two and exploring the area.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Speargrass - Robert Ridge
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Still touched by snow in mid October so more trail hiking than trail running but so stunning.
October 17, 2022
I just don’t have the words. Truly, truly epic. It can’t get much better than this!
April 23, 2022
AR
If you want to beat my time, do it in summer! So much snow in the winter but what a trail, absolutely beautiful to run.
June 23, 2020
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.
Length: 38.3km
Level: Intermediate - Experienced
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