Last Updated: 17th Jan 2025
Western Hills brief trot
Whareroa
Submitted by Gary Crilley
Last Updated: 17th Jan 2025
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
4.9km
325m
320m
Last Updated: 17th Jan 2025
Submitted by Gary Crilley
Last Updated: 17th Jan 2025
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
4.9km
325m
320m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.1%
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1:20
Slow
0:55
Moderate
0:40
Fast
A short, sharp run perfect for after work or as a stop on the commute home. The track has been there a few years, but difficult to navigate. It has now been officially marked with blue poles and directions.
Start at the Whareroa Farm carpark and head up the farm race to the caravan, continue up to Carex Valley. There is a map at the caravan if necessary. Where the mountain bike link track turns sharp right, carry on straight ahead for 100 metres.
There is a sign and a map labelled Western Hills. Turn left and climb the short (steep) track to the ridge. You are now on a working farm and there will be sheep. Enjoy the amazing view and turn left to head back down to where you began.
There is a marked path that splits into three options halfway down, but all paths lead to the car park. You can probably see your car by now. It's less than 5 km, but it's no park run.
Whareroa Farm is the site of the US Marine base in WW2. You will pass concrete constructions put up by the Americans during the war.
At the caravan, 800m into the run, there are toilets (long drop).
No public transport, but plenty of parking. Not far from QE park and the trams.
4 km
6 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Easy track up tp the ridge. Can be tricky finding the exact route down the farmland, but you can see the starting point.
Generally good.
Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
None. A few creeks to cross at the start, but they pass through farmland.
A stream crossing can be 'stepping stoned' most of the time, but you will get wet feet after rain. Use your judgement after very heavy rain – can become a torrent.
The first 30% is also a mountain bike track. They're mostly tame, but watch out for the rogues. The thistles on the farm portion have all been killed recently but may grow back.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Western Hills brief trot
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