Waddington Loop of Wander

This loop links the popular Te Whiti Riser with the less-known Waddington Wander track. It could be run in either direction. Park at the Te Whiti Park car park.

Start by running across the playing field to the footbridge at the north end of the park. Turn right onto Riverside Drive. Follow the path by the riverside wherever possible to keep off the road.

When you reach Rossiter Drive turn right and cross the river, then left onto Wyndrum Ave. When you reach a small grass area you'll see another footbridge crossing back over the river - take this back onto Riverside Drive. As this turns away from the river a km or so further on you'll see a footpath straight ahead (staying parallel to the water) - take this and it comes out onto Hamerton Street.

Go right on Waddington Drive then right again down Balgownie Crescent - at the end cut left behind the houses onto the riverside track. This goes through a small stile and you'll see a tiny footbridge across the stream - take this, then the track starts just across the river - you'll see a wooden sign saying Bike&Walking track to Judd & Summit Firebreak - this is the Waddington track.

Take this narrow winding track up through stands of manuka and native bush - there are plenty of switchbacks so it's a nice steady gradient. You'll pass areas where it almost pops onto the firebreak (much steeper) - keep left and stay on the track. Eventually, you pop up onto the summit ECNZ 4WD road. Turn right at the top, admire the view from the picnic bench, then head downhill and immediately onto the Te Whiti track.

This is a much more popular track, again well-graded and much easier underfoot - follow it right back down to Te Whiti Park to the start.