Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Pipiwharauroa Trail

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Martin Carroll

Last Updated: 9th Aug 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 15 ?

17.7km

380m

380m

482m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
60%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -5.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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

Murray Taylor

Murray Taylor

has completed Pipiwharauroa Trail twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Good reasonably easy run and knew it was going to be an open gravel one and so close to Raglan with some great views. Last few gates are wired shut leaving you to climb over as couldnt see any signs stating no access and made it to the sign.

Ray Meade

January 13

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!

Angela Buchanan

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.

Michelle Heighway

June 23, 2024

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!

Anthony Sowerby

April 8, 2023

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