Last Updated: 12th Nov 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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Tuhuanui half (ish)

Tuhuanui track, Tirohanga track

Karamu, Waikato

Submitted by Nathanael Hollings

Last Updated: 12th Nov 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 56 ?

Gnarl Factor: 72 ?

20.9km

Length of run

1600m

Total Ascent

1590m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Mountainous

With permit

Native bush

Riverside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%

78%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.3%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:15

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Starting at the Kaniwhaniwha reserve carpark, head up to and through to the Kaniwhaniwha Campsite at 2.5km.

From the campsite follow the Tahuanui Track for a hard climb of about 6.5km until it meets the Tirohanga Track. Turn right (South West), following the Tirohanga Track for approximately 1km to the Pirongia Summit.

Pat your self on the back and head back the way you came.

There's a stream at the bottom to clean your self up - you might need it.

This trail includes the peak Pirongia.

Plenty of views from along the track and from the tower. On a clear day you will see Ruapahu.

Long drops at Kaniwhaniwha Reserve (start point). Long drops at Kaniwhaniwha Campsite (2.5k).

Transport and parking:

The trail starts at the Kaniwhaniwha Reserve on Limeworks Loop Road, Te Pahu. Plenty of parking - pretty safe - lots of people coming and going. From Hamilton take SH23 to Whatawhata. Turn left onto Te Pahu Road after the bridge over the Waipa River. Limeworks Loop Road is about 10.6 km on the right.

Distance from Karamu:

4 km

Driving time from Karamu:

10 minutes

Dog friendly:

With Permit

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Follow the organge markers. You follow the ridge all the way up.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

No drinkable water. Riverwater via taps at the campsite, and you can go 1k further to the hut to get rain water.

Seasonality Issues:

In the winter, expect mud.

Hazards:

Not all rocks are solid.
Who knows what's in the bottom of the bogs.
Can get very windy at the top.

Whatawhata backyar Pub
Whatawhata
Beers, Chips and Burgers.

Trail Legend

Jill Goldfinch

has completed Tuhuanui half (ish) once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Rhys Hogg

Nice flat warmup along the river then all the 1600m of accent is in the next 7km.
Great views from the 3 peaks, especially the Pirongia summit raised platform.
Leave the high-stacked shoes at home if you want to bomb the return downhill as it's rooty and rocky.

Rhys Hogg

November 10

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