Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Pukemokemoke Loop
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 6 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
3.4km
130m
130m
166m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 6 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
3.4km
130m
130m
166m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.2%
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0:50
Slow
0:40
Moderate
0:25
Fast
From the carpark, head across the bridge, taking care to clean shoes carefully at the Kauri dieback station. This is a loop, so once across the bridge you can choose to turn left, then take the first track on the right, following orange arrows to run up the boardwalk through beautiful Kauri forest and up past the sign labelling Kawakawa grove to the summit.
There is a wooden platform at the summit with incredible 360 degree views right over the Waikato. Information panels on the summit tower provide details about the views before you. The view is magnificent during the daytime, but also magical at night, when the lights of Hamilton, Morrinsville, Huntly and Gordonton surround below, and millions of stars shine from above.
To complete the loop, continue beneath the viewing platform and alongside the fenceline down along a moderately technical single track through the bush, again following orange arrows, which will bring you out at a clearing with a round wooden gazebo in the middle of it. Both the North East track and Mangatea track will lead back to the log hauler clearing. Cross the clearing to rejoin the 4WD track that will lead back to the bridge you started from.
Maps are available at the carpark and in a plastic box behind the gazebo. Put these back if you no longer need them after you've used them. For a good run I prefer to run up the Mangatea track, then stretch out back down the boardwalk.
This trail includes the peak Pukemokemoke.
Boardwalk protects the roots of a beautiful Kauri forest. Some rope swings in the bush to the left just past the gazebo at the log hauler site are great entertainment for young Wild Things! Several trees are identified with labels.
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.
Carparking for 10-15 cars at the base of the track
29 km
27 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
The route up the boardwalk is easy to follow, marked by orange arrows and green wooden signs. When ascending via the Mangatea track there is just one intersection of trails, where straight ahead will lead back to the log hauler clearing, but you'll need to stick right to reach the summit. Especially easy to miss in the dark if you're running with a headtorch.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone
Bring your own water. There is water gathered from the roof of the gazebo, but it is not recommended for drinking.
Lovely and shady for hot summer days. Cutty grass and gorse can get a bit overgrown along the fenceline.
As above
Prof's cafe at Woodlands Estate
42 Whitikahu Rd, Gordonton
http://woodlands.co.nz/home/cafe/
Beautiful gardens to explore, good food, peaceful and great playground for littlies.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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This is my local go to run when I don't have a lot of time but need to get into the bush. Can do one loop, two, what ever way you want, it's a great one for beginner trail runners, and families :)
January 26, 2020
Love this wee trail. A regular training route for us so have done it every which way. The view from the top is always different and climbing the trig each time we do a circuit for a photo is just what we do!
February 6, 2018
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