Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024
Pipiwharauroa Trail
Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
17.7km
380m
380m
482m
Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024
Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
17.7km
380m
380m
482m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -5.0%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:30
Fast
Follow the gravel road up to the plateau - there are a couple of diversions off the road across farm tracks which are well signposted. There is a sign at the turnaround point which directs you to turn back.
The formation of the Pipiwharauroa Trail over existing paper roads was made possible with the co-operation and goodwill of the landowners. The track winds its way over private farmland owned by the Vanhoutte and Jowsey families. The trail was formed from the roads that were used to bring in turbines for the Te Uku wind farm and passes close-by to several turbines.
There is a long drop at Wairinga / Bridal Veil Falls 750m down the road.
Large gravel parking area with information signage at the start.
23 km
21 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone
No access to drinking water.
This trail runs up to and through a wind farm - therefore it is usually windy and very exposed across the top part of the trail.
Most of the track is well formed. There are some short sections near the top that cross farmland that can be very wet and muddy in winter.
The Shack
Raglan
https://www.theshackraglan.com/
Have eaten there several times after running in the Raglan region. Good food, good coffee, good service.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Some nice farmy bits, otherwise mostly gravel road, through nice farmy terrain, with some wind turbines, and a hilarious sign at the end / turnaround. I quite like it, but maybe have a bias as it's localish. Can be combined with Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls 750m down the road, for some more variety & access to a loo!
August 8
Fun track, not as boring as I thought it would be based on other reviews. The last 1km or so wasn't accessible (June 2024), the gate approx 500m after the "1.5km to the end" sign has been wired shut.
June 23
Great views and plenty of interesting stuff to see along the way. Was expecting this to be all gravel but there is a fair chunk of farmland running as well. Beware the lurking bull though which required a detour!
April 8, 2023
I didn't mind this too much. It's mostly a gravel road but there are no cars and I only saw 2 bikes the whole time. I think as long as you go with the mind set of it's more gravel than trail or you want to get a speedy one in you'll be alright. I parked at Bridal Falls and ran there first ( only about 1.5km in all ) then ran up the road to start this trail ( 800m )
You get great views of the Waikato the whole time as you wind up the hills. Great speedy fun on the way back down.
March 13, 2023
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