Kawhaka Magic

This is a nice cruise of a run on well-surfaced 4WD tracks or gravel road, though you shouldn't see any traffic apart from possibly cyclists.

Park by the dam just after the turn-off from the Old Christchurch Road. Set off along the cycle trail/gravel road beside the water race. This section is completely flat with nice open views of Mt Turiwhate and the Southern Alps. After about 3.5km you get to a grid walkway above a weir - cross over then follow the track hard left (don't climb the stairs unless you are whio-hunting). This climbs up to a junction, with the cycleway signposted to the right - take the left track instead.

This wends its way back through thick native bush with a few small undulations. Shortly after you pass a locked barrier you will meet the Old Christchurch Road. Turn left here, taking care of traffic, and run for 300m before taking the first right-hand turn. This takes you a short distance along Kawhaka water race to add an extra 1km to the run. Where the track splits at the dam bank ignore the right-hand fork that drops down - instead cross the bank and bear back to the left on the other side of the water race. This brings you out opposite the start - cross the Old Christchurch Road again and run the last 100m to the car. This run can be extended by taking the righthand track at the turn-around point by the weir - head as far along the cycle trail as you feel like before returning the same way. The pool you park by is great for a swim in summer.