Last Updated: 4th Jan 2024
The Goldsborough
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 4th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 79 ?
7.4km
280m
360m
326m
Last Updated: 4th Jan 2024
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 4th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 79 ?
7.4km
280m
360m
326m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.7%
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1:30
Slow
1:15
Moderate
0:55
Fast
This is a technical little track through beautiful dense West Coast bush. It is marked with orange DoC markers throughout, but does twist and turn a bit, so keep an eye out to check that you're still on track. The surface is narrow, muddy, slippery tree roots and slick rocks - loads of fun!
The track climbs steadily for the first kilometre before levelling out in places along old benches. After about two kilometres you reach a brief opening in the bush, allowing views of the Kapitea Reservoir and inland to the Alps, with Mt Turiwhate dominating the view. You can also see evidence of a current gold mine.
The track continues to wind its way along several benched areas, along an old water race that is mostly overgrown but visible in parts. After the five kilometre mark the track starts heading downhill. As you reach the bottom of this, the track starts to widen and is slightly better maintained. For the last 500m or so it is wide and flat, crossing one bridge before finally opening out into the Goldsborough Campsite, which is fairly busy over summer.
If you want to turn this into a loop run, head left along the main gravel road, which become sealed after about two kilometres, then turn left back into Callaghans Road again. This adds 7km to the distance. You can also tack on a steep loop adding approx 2km by following the signs to the German Gully track (start over a bridge at the campsite) then Goffs Track - a lot of this is too steep to run.
This follows an old gold mining route. Along the way you can see old mine shafts, dams and water races.
Lots of native birdlife including kaka, and you'll more than likely meet some goats too.
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.
Small carpark but never any other cars there, safe. No public transport. If you want to run point to point you will need to drop a bike or arrange a pickup from the Goldsborough campsite, which is approx 4km past the Callaghans Road turnoff further down Stafford Loop Road.
10 km
15 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
The track is well marked but at times indistinct on the ground, and it is easy to lose it at switchback turns, so just need to keep switched on.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
You cross a few small creeks along the way, and the last kilometre is alongside a creek with plenty of drinking water. It is also available at the DoC campsite at the end of the run.
Muddy even at the best of times, can turn into a quagmire in places after rain.
There are lots of unmarked mineshaft through this area, so keep to the track and, if taking a dog (DoC permit needed), keep it in sight.
The Theatre Royal Hotel
Kumara
Good food, nice atmosphere, they don't mind muddy runners!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Goldsborough
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AF
True West Coast bush run, tree roots, slippery rocks, mud, fallen trees across the track, Run from Callaghans Road through to Goldsborough was a bit gnarly at the start but smoothed out towards the end, hunters decided to let volleys of shots off mid track made me pick up pace a little
callaghans road is in mint condition and can drive to carpark/track start in a 2wd car
June 3, 2022
Fantastic trail. This was the perfect bush trail. Constant attention was required due to rocks, roots and a little mud which was great to practice my technical skills. Got into a lovely flow in many sections. After the climb up the trail undulated with only a few short bits too steep to run. Overall a fun but tough workout. Ran the roads back to Goldsborough Campground for a little extra distance.
July 4, 2021
If I could give this more stars I would. That was the epitome of trail running/forest bathing! Nearly didn't do it because of it being a point to point but manages to borrow a bike and get the road bit sorted first. Thanks to Chris for the heads up on which way was easiest for that so did it in reverse like him. Absolutely stunning ancient forest, interesting, undulating and most runable (albeit at a shuffle by me with tired legs) but so glad I did it. Put it on ypur bucket list if you're on the coast!
June 27, 2020
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