Last Updated: 8th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Over and back on the Wairere Traverse

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Paul Ewart

Last Updated: 8th Apr 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 42 ?

Gnarl Factor: 36 ?

26.0km

1450m

1450m

749m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

1%
1%
3%
35%
60%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

6:00

Slow

4:30

Moderate

3:00

Fast

This follows the Wairere Traverse Over the Mountain track from Hicks Road. This access point was reopened in January 2022. You can also do the reverse by starting at Tari Road.

The track proper starts at the end of the road and follows a farm track (please respect the general area and stay on the track provided) until it goes across the farm via a narrow gravel path up to the bush line.

Go right at the end of the gravel track and follow the fence up to the entry point for the Northern enclosure. After a quick blast around the enclosure exit and go left another 100m to find the Over the Mountain entrance.

Note; the gates into and out of the enclosure are set so that only one door can be opened at a time.

Once inside follow the track up and take the first right turn onto the traverse. Stay on this all the way over the Mountain to the other side and return by the same path.

This is an ecological zone and has a magnificent native forest that has been a recognised reserve since 1912. It has a predictor proof fence that encloses much of the maunga. It is home to many endangered species, birds, bats, frogs, reptiles, tuatara and giant weta. There are two smaller seperated enclosures that you can enter to see some of the enhabitents, one at each end on this run only the Northern enclosure was done but you can also include the Southern enclosure.

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.

Park at the public car parking area which is adjacent to the Maungatautiri Pa.

43 km

41 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

There are several stream crossings where it would be possible to get water. There is also a cafe at the Tari Road side.

The track is very steep as you will see in the map. While it is well maintained and good in all seasons it can get very slippery in areas where the gravel and rock give way to clay and mud.

Waipuke Park
Maungatautiri Road
Cool off with a swim after the big event.

Trail Legend

Matthew Scrafton

Matthew Scrafton

has completed Over and back on the Wairere Traverse 6 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great all weather track, although the rain recently has created a bit of errosion on some sections. Some great bird song along for company. Even saw a little saddleback today. Definitely a good one for hill work.

Paul Ewart

November 27, 2022

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