Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Kaimai South Side To Hurunui Hut
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
18.5km
400m
400m
480m
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
18.5km
400m
400m
480m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
With permit
Native bush
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.4%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2.00
Fast
Starting at SH29 carpark you will see the DoC sign that is the Southern Entrance to the North South tramping track. This is the track you will be following to Hurunui Hut.
You are straight into a steady climb that is not really runnable due to the technicality of the trail. Follow the DoC orange triangles at all times, there are little streams and fallen trees along the track. Ignore signs for the Henderson Tramway as that is a seprate track. Stay on the North South Track. The track gets a bit easier to run for a while during the open areas. While in the bush, be patient with the obstacles and mud sections, there can be areas where the track is a bit overgrown. To get to Hurunui hut its a left hand turn (detour) and about 5 mins up the way (sign posted).
Turn around at the hut and head back in the opposite direction.
Tramway, Lagoon
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.
Enough parking for 10+ cars
19 km
16 minutes
With Permit
No
Moderate.
Follow DoC triangles and read the signs as you go past
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
There are streams that are probably OK to drink from
Mud, might be cutty grass in summer
Fallen trees, overgrown track, tree roots, mud, tramway bits
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Kaimai South Side To Hurunui Hut
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JC
I came in and ran from Hendersons Trainline Northern Branch. Straight into stream crossings with slippy rock and the tramline section was really muddy between the sleepers but i really enjoyed the track. Roughly an hour each way to the hut, 12.5km Nice variety.
June 24
Really lovely run. Nice mixture of actual running and clambering. Good view point. Well maintained track.
January 31, 2021
Nice run with some small stream crossings which if you're careful you can avoid getting your feet wet (although where's the fun in that). There's quite a few clearings which also provide the opportunity to get some sunlight, but mostly the run is under the Kaimai native canopy. Best way to find start of track is to Google Kaimai water spring. Make sure you get your fill of this wonderfully cool water when you finish (or fill up before you head out).
December 29, 2019
Being my first really technical trail run, it is a little difficult to rate.The fact that I never got injured, didn't get my butt wet or covered in mud - has to be a huge bonus.Extremely grateful for tree roots to hang on to.Some magic views and pretty little lakes. Surprising shortage of bird life though - no shortage of greenery though.Loved it.
September 16, 2019
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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