Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024
Karapoti Challenge
Submitted by Joe Benbow
Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 28 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
18.7km
480m
480m
465m
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Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024
Submitted by Joe Benbow
Last Updated: 15th Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 28 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
18.7km
480m
480m
465m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.0%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:30
Fast
The route follows the historic Karapoti 20K Challenge course (less the start/finish road section).
Note that Airstrip Road and Woolshed Road are closed except to authorised vehicles between 4am and 5pm Monday to Friday, so this is a weekend option only.
Starting at the car park, follow the trail along Karapoti Gorge, crossing the river near the start to keep you on the main wider track (rather than the smaller track that heads up to the right). After around 4.3k, you'll reach McGhies bridge. Cross the bridge and the locked gate and start heading uphill.
At around 6.2k, you'll reach a signed T-junction. Turn left onto Valley View Road and continue uphill.
Keep right at the 8k mark where there is a junction with Lindsays Road.
At 9.4k, keep right again on Airstrip Road, then turn right onto Woolshed Road (at around 10k). This will take you back to the first T-junction where you head back downhill to McGhies bridge and the way you came.
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.
Plenty of parking available but as it's a remote and quiet trailhead, don't leave valuables in plain sight
16 km
20 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Make sure you know which turn to take at each junction on the loop section (Airstrip, then Woolshed). A wrong turn can take you miles off course.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Map
The river and tributaries are the only water sources. Best to take your own but these sources could be used if you really needed.
The Akatarawas get a lot of rainfall. Slips are common. Expect to get wet feet. The highest points on this run are quite exposed to the wind too.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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I went after a lot of rain- some fun puddle running down the bottom part of the track beside the river and some little waterfalls. Track was still really good under foot, despite the volume of water. No spectacular view from the top due to the tall pine trees, but overall I really enjoyed it.
July 18, 2021
This trail gets you up into the Akatarawa Forest on well marked trails, mainly logging tracks. The river hurtles along beside you at the start/end and then have a steady climb up to the ridge. Very doable. Watch out for motorbikes (you hear them before you see them!).
November 22, 2020
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