Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Ferry Landing to Hidden Bay

Whitianga, Waikato

Submitted by Kirstine Collins

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 45 ?

9.2km

520m

520m

98m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Run Makeup

29%
55%
15%
1%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:50

Slow

1:20

Moderate

0:40

Fast

From the ferry carpark take the track to Whitianga Rock. It follows the water for 20m then up some stairs. At the junction go straight ahead to play tourist and take a detour up some neat rock steps up to the highpoint of Whitianga Rock.

Back at the junction turn right to head down the hill. At the large orange triangle follow the marked trail left, down the hill and over the bridge. Now the steep uphill which takes you to a viewing platform where you can catch your breath. Continue on to the top of the hill to the bench looking at the view in the other direction.

On the opposite side of the trail from the bench is a small unmarked track perpendicular to the main trail. Follow this faint unmarked track heading straight for about 40 meters and search for the orange triangle. The triangle is not visible until you get close. Once you find the orange triangle you can follow the clear and well marked trail as it winds along the side of the hill above Whitianga Harbour and along a small peninsular before dropping into a small bay. Touch the water and enjoy the isolated bay then return the way you came.

The trail varies from narrow raw angled trail to beautifully benched and maintained flowing singletrack with distracting views.

Beautiful views over Whitianga and the harbour

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.

Large carpark with public toilets

38 km

37 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

The trail is well marked except the 40m from the main trail at the top of the hill from Ferry Landing. You will need to search to find the first orange triangle. Once you find it the trail is easy to follow and well marked.

Generally good.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone

There are several streams that cross the trail.

Some clay sections will be slippery in the wet

Nil

Trail Legend

Michael Whitehead

Michael Whitehead

has completed Ferry Landing to Hidden Bay once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Unfortunately I only had time to do half. It took abit to find the track entrance. In places the track is quite over grown and coming back I got lost a few times. Quite hard to get a flow on running. There is lots of side tracks that go off to traps and in two places you can divert down to two other bays

Ruth Steeghs

February 1, 2024

Surprisingly gnarly! The runnable bits were good fun, dodging between the trees. Would be a lot faster on a dry day. Good bits of bush in there between the regenerating clearings. The suggested times are quite optimistic BTW.

Matt Halverson

September 10, 2022

Was quite difficult to find but once found was a great wee experience. I'm a real novice and managed it so def a beginner track, just watch for tripping hazards.

Leanne Petersen

July 31, 2022

A great wee gem of a run. Great views, very rooty and parts are over growing making it excellent tripping material but otherwise quite varied terrain and Hidden Bay is beautiful!! If you turn right when you’re back at the bench the track takes you down the hill to Front Beach, an beautiful beach for a final swim before wondering back over to the Ferry. Very enjoyable and no one else around!

Annelise La Roche

March 20, 2021

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