Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Mount Te Kinga
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 36 ?
Gnarl Factor: 68 ?
11.5km
1450m
1450m
1196m
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 36 ?
Gnarl Factor: 68 ?
11.5km
1450m
1450m
1196m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +20.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -20.3%
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4:30
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:00
Fast
The track starts from the car park, heading into lush bush away from the lake. The first bit is well-groomed, with info signs on different trees and plants. For the first 2km the track is undulating, gradually gaining height and passing three great lookouts with views over the lake. After the third one you'll see a sign saying 6hrs return to the summit. From here the track gradient increases and the track gets a lot rougher, with plenty of roots and some windfall to negotiate.
It is a fairly unrelenting climb as you move through the vegetation zones - once you get into dracophyllum you're nearly out onto the tops. As soon as you reach the scrub zone there are expansive views back across Lake Brunner and the surrounding area. It is another 500m or so to the top, which can be seen from the bush line. Pick you way through the tussock - the poled route isn't always obvious but you can't go too far wrong as long as you keep heading upwards. There is a sign just below the trig saying "Summit", but the true summit is actually about 800m or so away along the ridgeline beyond the trig. This is untracked and involves a couple of ups and down through open tussock but is straightforward (not included in this gpx, so add time and distance to the guideline if you're adding this bit).
The trig itself is a good objective with stunning views over the lake to the Tasman, and inland to Mts Alexander and Tara Tama. Once you've soaked it all in, turn around and descend the same way you came - the downhill is all runnable and a lot of fun.
Lush bush with lots of birdlife - listen out for Kākā.
Closest public toilet to trailhead: Toilet block in the carpark.
Lots of parking available (though it gets busy in summer), no public transport.
7 km
10 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Once you get out of the bush the route is poled - some of these are lower than the scrub, but just follow your nose upwards and you should go wrong.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Little available en route - about halfway up you can hear a small waterfall off the left side of the track which is possible to scramble down to if you need a refill. Water available from toilet block at the car park.
The tops can be exposed any time of year and the weather changes quickly. Parts of the track get very muddy after rain.
Station House cafe
Moana
Good food with lovely views over the lake. Try the macadamia brittle!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Best attacked on a fine day with dry conditions as the trail can be slippery and knotty at points below the tree line. Good consistent vert after the first couple of kms. Up and down, can't get lost. The clouds parted for a moment at the top, just.
July 18, 2023
Brilliant on a blue sky day. The climb is worth it for the views. Beautiful bush & the reward of open tips. Well worth doing the extra bit to the true summit - no more than 15 mins each way from the trig.
November 11, 2020
A bit of a gut buster up the steep part of the climb, but so worth the effort once you reach the trig. The descent can be pretty hairy if you try to run at with some speed, but really exhilarating at the same time!
July 16, 2020
LS
Very fun trail. Quite gnarly after the first couple of k. Must admit I thought the original poster was a bit optimistic that the return was all runnable, but was better than I had thought on the ascent! Does depend on your maniac rating and when you have your knee replacement booked. Plenty of mud, absolutely stunning views, nice run out at the end. Took me 3:13 including photo stops and taking a phone call but not including sitting on top feeling awesome.
December 23, 2019
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