Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023
Butterfly Creek Loop
Submitted by Joe Benbow
Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 18 ?
7.8km
370m
370m
220m
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Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023
Submitted by Joe Benbow
Last Updated: 20th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 18 ?
7.8km
370m
370m
220m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Coastal
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.8%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
This is a shorter version of the full Eastbourne Ridge Loop, perfect if you're short of time or want to see the best bits without any technical parts or too much road.
Starting on the junction of Muritai Road and MacKenzie Road, follow Muritai Road south until you come to Kowhai St on your left. Follow this uphill and you will come to the Kowhai St track entrance.
This will take you on a winding zig-zag up through the bush. At the top of the hill, turn right and follow signs for Butterfly Creek down the other side of the ridge. You will soon come to a right turn, leading to the picnic area. This is a worthwhile add-on as it brings you out to a lovely spot by the water (which would make a great swimming spot in summer). There is also a toilet here if needed.
Head back to the main track and keep following the Butterfly Creek track alongside the water. This is a beautiful section where you'll run over boardwalks criss-crossing over the creek. Eventually, the path will zig-zag back uphill, bringing you out at the summit.
Once you've caught your breath, follow the MacKenzie track back downhill and you'll pop out on MacKenzie Road where you started.
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 along Muritai Road but keep an eye on parking restrictions as you get closer to the shops
14 km
18 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Very patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
Drinking the creek water isn't advised so best to take what you need
This is a very well-graded track so is suitable for all seasons
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Butterfly Creek Loop
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What a great spot! I will be back to run more trails around there. Lots of steps and I hate steps. Half of them have a trail alongside though so very runnable.
November 26
Stunning wee loop, almost other-worldly once you are over the ridge and down on to the track beyond. The track is super easy running and you feel miles form anywhere.
March 20, 2021
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.
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