Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Okarito Majesty
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 65 ?
9.3km
270m
270m
161m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 65 ?
9.3km
270m
270m
161m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
In good weather the view from the Okarito Trig is arguably the greatest view in NZ. Uninterrupted views of all the highest peaks of the Southern Alps across vast swathes of West Coast forest and then the stunning wild Tasman Sea crashing at your feet.
Start at the DOC carpark across a short stretch of boardwalk and then head into the bush. The track steadily ascends following the old pack track route, and soon a junction is reached. Take the uphill option and after a short sweet steepish uphill on great trail you'll reach the trig and be rewarded with views to die for, should the weather allow. On a clear sunny day you will want to linger here and take lots of photos.
Return from the trig back to the junction and follow the remainder of the pack track as it undulates its way south to Three Mile Lagoon. Drop down to the water's edge where there's another opportunity for gobsmacking views of the mountains from the rugged Tasman Sea coastline.
Return trip is either back the same way, or if you are a couple of hours either side of low tide it's highly recommended to follow the beach back, at the foot of cliffs. Its a magnificent section of untouched wild coastline, and totally worth the extra technical bits. But make sure you have the tides right - it is impassable otherwise.
Thoroughly recommend staying in Okarito at the Campground or at the Old Schoolhouse which is bookable through DOC. Its a wonderful place to decompress, explore and there are some astounding sunsets here.
This trail includes the peak Okarito Trig.
Best view in NZ!
Iconic vistas across the Southern Alps
A gem of coastline explorations
2 Lagoons
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DOC carpark at the trailhead
27 km
27 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Easy to follow trail, but the coastline is not marked if you come back that way
Very patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
BYO
Open year round. Being the West Coast it is known to rain a bit sometimes!
As mentioned the coast section only works 2 hours either side of low tide. Otherwise just come back on the trail
Franz Josef
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Awesome trail, nice and easy underfoot too. Which makes a change from all the gnarly west coast climbs. Refreshing and beautiful, with great views and a lot of variety.
December 14, 2021
This must be one of the best 10km trail loops in nz. Unreal scenery with Bush beach lagoon and mountains. Track is undulating and well formed and can easily be done solo by less confident runners - just make sure you go at low tide, ideally in the morning as the sun rises over the mountains which is stunning.
Ps the trig detour is well worth it.
January 16, 2021
This trail is well worth it. Beautiful bush and views out to sea and towards the mountains. Unfortunately low tide was early morning so I had to do an out and back run today but it was still spectacular. I will come back and complete the loop another time.
January 3, 2021
Awesome run I was especially enthralled by all the Tui serenading us as we ran along the Old Pack Track such a delight. The little Tomtits and Piwakawaka kept us company flitting along in front of us and the Kereru swooped and flapped about overhead. A great track with amazing views. Be sure to visit the swing bridge when you get out to the lagoon. The lagoon had breached so a little low on the water but still amazing. The trip back along the beach was amazing in the most part. The high waves of the week before had taken out the access to the beach so rather a large scramble down and I'm a little less nimble over the rocks and them being wet from the rain falling made this section rather challenging for me and a little longer than I had imagined it would be but once we were through here it was an awesome run along the beach with the incoming tide crashing against the rocks and having a blast challenging the waves. Much Awesomeness!
August 9, 2019
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