Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Return of the Gault
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
8.0km
300m
300m
377m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Stephanie Berry
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
8.0km
300m
300m
377m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Lakeside
Easy Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Starting at the same point as the Lake Matheson track you head out on a beautifully graded single track. After about 600m you come to a junction where you take the right track as if you were heading anti-clockwise around Lake Matheson. After a further 600 or so metres you willreach the sign for the Lake Gault turnoff... this trail used to be a 'Wild' trail, however during 2020 it was given the tourist treatment and is now basically a gravel footpath. Don't let that fool you though... it's not easy... after a pretty flat first km, you will climb nearly 300m in the next 2.5km... then you will descent a bit on the other side to a seat and the lake. Once you have had your fill, retrace your steps... if you have great knees then you willhave an awesome downhill, if you don't then I suggest your shoes with the best cushioning.
Lake Gault was used to service the hydroelectric scheme in the 1930's & 40's. It is now home to New Zealand's rarest kiwi, the rowi after some were relocated from Okarito. The track had been closed for over 20 years but thanks to a Fox Glacier community initiative the track has been recut and reopened thanks to the many, many hours put in by community volunteers in collaboration with DOC.
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 safe parking
5 km
5 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
None
Extremely muddy after rain
Weather very changeable
Lake Matheson Cafe
Lake Matheson
Great food
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Return of the Gault
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What a gem of a track! So beautiful and worth getting of the less travelled Lake Matheson track. So thankful that I decided last minute to do this one.
March 22, 2021
Wow, just wow. The view at the lake is insanely beautiful, especially in a calm clear winter's day. The gnarl factor is changing however, as the track is being upgraded to front country walk superhighway status. Should be 100% grade A track in a month, great extra people will find this gem, but we are also pleased we got to do the final bit old school trail style
May 30, 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.
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