Last Updated: 8th Nov 2024
Crosbies Hut via Waiomu Track
Last Updated: 8th Nov 2024
Grunt Factor: 38 ?
Gnarl Factor: 52 ?
17.0km
970m
970m
687m
Last Updated: 8th Nov 2024
Last Updated: 8th Nov 2024
Grunt Factor: 38 ?
Gnarl Factor: 52 ?
17.0km
970m
970m
687m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.2%
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7:00
Slow
5:00
Moderate
3:30
Fast
The first 2.5km is super pleasant, graded track along the river. The following 4km is a gruelling up, and treacherous down. Many exposed tree roots, steep gradient, narrow track alongside steep drop-offs. Final 2.5-3km to Crosbies Hut can be very boggy in places (don't trust the green patches, they are swamps!), but generally runnable.
Kauri Grove is a lovely graded track for the first 2.5km. Closer to Crosbies Hut, there are some pretty views across the Kauaeranga Valley.
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.
Elevated parking above a river (if heavy rain is forecasted, not recommended to do this trail).
15 km
18 minutes
Yes
No
Hard.
On the way up, always hang right, towards Crosbies Hut. Take care to follow track back via Crosbies Clearing, Waiomu Tramping Track and Waiomu Creek Road. If you end up in Thames, you'll need a lift to get your car back from Waiomu! (20min drive).
Patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Very limited after Kauri Grove Walk. Refill at Crosbies Hut.
A number of creek crossings at beginning of track - not recommended to proceed if heavy rain is forecasted, both due to flooding potential and technicality of steep track on the way down.
Many exposed tree roots, pig-rutted holes, steep drop-offs, bogs.
Waiomu Beach Cafe
622 Thames Coast Road, Waiomu 3575
Excellent brunch/lunch/early dinner (closes 5pm)
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Crosbies Hut via Waiomu Track
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JB
Ran this in late January when the trail was hard and dry. Agree with everything Ryan and Jacki describe though the boggy bits on top were mostly dried up or at least crusty on top - only a couple of times did I sink to ankle depth in soft slushy gunk. The bug kauris are neat, the climb is gnarly, the running from the junction with the Te Puru track across to the hut is undulating but flowing, and it's quicker going down than up but not by a heck of a lot - maybe 10 minutes over almost 10k (I clocked it north of 19km return to the car park not the 17k it shows on here).
January 30, 2022
JB
Ran this in late January when the trail was hard and dry. Agree with everything Ryan and Jacki describe though the boggy bits on top were mostly dried up or at least crusty on top - only a couple of times did I sink to ankle depth in soft slushy gunk. The bug kauris are neat, the climb is gnarly, the running from the junction with the Te Puru track across to the hut is undulating but flowing, and it's quicker going down than up but not by a heck of a lot - maybe 10 minutes over almost 10k (I clocked it north of 19km return to the car park not the 17k it shows on here).
January 30, 2022
RH
You start with a 700m warm up along the gravel road. There is a ford to cross and the water was just shallow enough to avoid getting my feet wet but would be different in winter. A hard packed trail along the river takes you to some big Kauri trees which are pretty cool. From here the track gets pretty technical and steep with lot of roots. A decent climb up onto the ridge. The trail along the ridge is awesome trail running goodness. Fast flowing squishy trail. I started early, so the sun was starting to peek through the trees along here and it was awewome. You get a nice view of the hills before the hut and then some beautiful views from the hut. The hut looks like an awesome spot to stay the night. There is water if you need a refill. Back along the ridge and then then the climb down goes a lot faster than the climb up.
January 14, 2022
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