Last Updated: 16th Sep 2024
Waihāhā Hut Return
Last Updated: 16th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 21 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
19.4km
425m
420m
Last Updated: 16th Sep 2024
Last Updated: 16th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 21 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
19.4km
425m
420m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
With permit
Native bush
Riverside
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.3%
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3:30
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:40
Fast
From the road, the track makes its way along the edge of the river before crossing a side stream via swing bridge and climbing steadily for 100m+ (vertical).
From there the track makes its way across a series of flats and undulations through bush and open scrubbier sections.
Detours can be made off the main track down unofficial side tracks for a view of the Waihāhā gorge - note these tracks are steep and care should be taken!
A couple of kilometeres before the hut, the track reenters a stand of mature forest. The hut is on the edge of a large clearing. Return the same way. Be sure to pick up the correct track (directly opposite the hut), as there are two other tracks leading off this clearing to different locations.
The Waihāhā River is beautiful - flat and smooth in places, and flowing through an eroded gorge in the middle section. Dense podocarp forest with Kākā often heard.
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.
There is a carpark on the eastern side of the Western Bay Road (SH32) . Access to this carpark is on a gravel track just south of the bridge. This carpark is shared with users of the Great Lake Trail.
11 km
9 minutes
With Permit
No
Easy.
Make sure you pick up the correct tracking leaving the hut clearing and heading back to the road.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Plenty of water from the Waihaha River, side streams, and a tank at the hut.
Mostly pumice underfoot, so good even after rain.
If you're going to look at the gorge, be careful of the steep sides.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Waihāhā Hut Return
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Stunning suprise hidden beside the highway. Very easily runnable with nothing too steep or technical. I'll be going back for sure, perhaps with a tent beside the river next time.
July 18
Beautiful run along the river to virgin native bush. A little washed out in places but certainly recommend. I think it's the best of the Great Lake trails.
April 4, 2024
This is one of my favourite trails to run. Runnable and not super hilly but good diversity in the trail and nice views. You can refill your water and have a break at the hut and I normally have a swim in the river about half a km from finishing. Cell service is very limited but there's usually
November 8, 2023
This is one of my favourite trails to run. Runnable and not super hilly but good diversity in the trail and nice views. You can refill your water and have a break at the hut and I normally have a swim in the river about half a km from finishing. Cell service is very limited but there's usually
November 8, 2023
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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