Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.2%
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1:15
Slow
0:55
Moderate
0:35
Fast
The run starts through a narrow "gate", designed to stop people taking anything bigger than a bike up the Riser. A couple of a hundred metres up you come to a crossroads where you can choose the firebreak if you want steep (that's left), or can head down right to get out of the bush, or (this is the correct way for the Riser) just go straight ahead to carry on up the Riser. At about 800m you will cross the Firebreak climb.
Carry on and at 2km you will get to a wooden walkway/viewing platform. Carry on up, and a bit over 3km you will get to a fork, left/North or right/South. Either way will take you up to the ridge track and if you've gone left, turn right at the top, or if you've gone right, turn left at the top. There is about 800m between the top of left or right. I usually go North, turn left, then come down the South exit. The segment is called TeWhiti Cruiser Up n Down, although there are other segments too.
Lovely bush, about 2km up is a viewing platform, on the way up and down there are viewing options quite often. There is nothing too steep.
There is a public toilet on the south side of Te Whiti Park.
There is a parking spot on Riverside Drive, Waiwhetu, with space for about 8 vehicles. There is also on street parking available. I generally start the run from just over the bridge from the car park.
3 km
5 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
About 200m up, go straight over the track. Just after 3km up, you get to a fork, can got left or right. Trickiest bit is the ridge and finding the down options. There is about 800m between the 2 tops. The exits are not labelled, but do look like exits.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Take your own water, there is none availabel on the track.
Afetr rain it cann be quite muddy. If nto muddy, road shoes are ok, if muddy, trail shoes.
There are places where the track is quite rocky.
Cafe on Guthrie
58 Guthrie Street, Waterloo, Lower Hutt
https://www.facebook.com/Café-on-Guthrie-St-176977532928614/
Closest option.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Te Whiti Riser
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This is a great track regardless of your running abilities - it's a gentle ascent that's never really too steep, but there's no flat ground so it can turn into a bit of a slog. The views make it all worth it, and it provides great access to the firebreaks along the tops.
February 9, 2022
Awesome run - easy enough gradient to run hard up and cruise all the way down. Great fun! Lots of photo opportunities of great views over the Hutt Valley.
December 7, 2021
Lovely steady climb up through the bush with steadily emerging views of the valley as you climb - and a fast run down (for me!) too. Great in dry conditions.
March 21, 2021
JJ
This was my favorite running track while I lived in the area. I started running it while they were still building it and used to only be able to go up to the bridge half way, great way to get to the fire tracks on top and run along for a while then back the way you had come up. Great for hill repeats as well, highly recommend this track to anyone at any level.
January 28, 2020
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.