Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt William Loop
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
12.9km
720m
720m
1067m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
12.9km
720m
720m
1067m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%
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Not suitable
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:00
Fast
This is a really nice mix of steep technical track, open tops, route finding and smooth 4WD roads.
From the carpark head back along the road and take the steep right (now left) turn you passed. After about 100m you cross a bridge - soon after this you see a wooden sign for Myra's Track - take this and enter the bush here. Soon afterwards it crosses a 4WD track - it continues just up to the left as you cross. Initially this crosses a swampy pakihi area before entering the bush again and climbing fairly steeply for 2km.
Just before the top it winds under some overhanging rocks, then pops out above the bush line. From here you can see the trig on Mt William. Head to here. From the trig take a good look around and get your bearings. The route on is unmarked - you are heading northeast down the broad open ridge towards Cedar Creek Saddle. There is the very occasional white pole marking the route, but in general follow your nose.
There are a couple of small scrubby gullies to climb through, but in general its lovely open running amongst interesting rock formations. As the ridge narrows and prepares to enter the bush, take some time to pick up the flagged route. If you can't find it it might be better to turn back - the bush is thick and slow going, and it wouldn't be hard to get lost. Once you find the trail, however, its easy to follow. It heads down to Cedar Creek Saddle then climbs back towards point 781, passing it to the west. It then drops into a creek before coming up to meet a 4WD road under the pylons. From here head left on the main 4WD track. After a steep downhill take the left fork. It will meet the Wainmangaroa River, which you follow for a short distance, before leaving it for a gentle 2km climb back to the carpark to complete the loop.
This trail includes the peak Mount William.
Great views from Mt William, lots of mining history in the area.
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 parking, no public transport
28 km
31 minutes
Yes
No
Hard.
If you can't find the bush track entrance off the tops, retrace your steps and go back the way you came.
Patchy.
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, Compass, Map
Plenty of tarns on the tops. River water is best avoided due to mining contamination over the years
Very exposed on the tops
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt William Loop
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SD
Tried the trip in reverse and picked the wrong ribbons to follow shortly after the turnoff under the pylon. That was a bushbash on a hunter's route but the pink ribbons took us on a more direct route coming out on the hill just above the poled route before dropping into the saddle. Will definitely try the burnt orange/burgandy ribbons next time! Great views from the ridge.
October 17, 2021
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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