Description

This is the second challenge in the WayWiser Beginner Trail Running Series. For more info on our Challenges, click here: https://waywiser.co.nz/waywiser-challenge-series

Get out to the Wainamu Lake trails anytime between Thursday, 09 Feb and Sunday 12 Feb either solo, or with some mates, and complete one of the following:

Lake Wainamu Intermediate Challenge: Approx 7-10kms

Option 1: Pass through the gate where you’ll see the sign for the Wainamu Track. This track follows along the stream, the sand dunes up to your right. The "Lake Wainamu Track" stays the same around the entire lake. We'd recommend following it clockwise around the lake.

You can also shortcut across the dunes on your way back for a little climb and some views. But the choice is yours :)

Option 2: Lake Wainamu is the main challenge, but if you're looking for a bit more, head back to the trail head, cross the road and head down the little driveway next to the bridge. You will come to the beginning of the Te Henga track. Cross the bridge and turn left, running through a little field before jumping onto Te Henga. Take Te Henga until you reach the first intersection, turn left and head down to the beach. Then run the beach back. Course route above.

Here's a link to the topo map: http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-36.894879,174.468335&z=15

Lake Wainamu Advanced Challenge: Technical, steep! Approx 14kms

Heading clockwise around the lake, you will reach a grassy clearing & a T junction. The Lake Wainamu Track continues straight ahead and the Houghton Track on the left. Take this left onto the Houghton track - FYI it starts of as it means to go on , upwards. This is a reasonable gradient for a good work out, it does ease up in parts, but is mostly just up.

Next you will reach the cross intersection of the Wainamu Junction. On the left, the Wainamu Bush Track, straight ahead is the Smyth Ridge Track and on the right is the Kuataika track. Take a right, and continue on the Kuataika track toward the trig. This is an upwards rocky trail for about 3 minutes or so that reaches a remarkable panoramic view of the Waitaks & the ocean below.

Return the way you came, back on Kuataika to Houghton Track, back to the Lake Wainamu Track. Turn left and continue as directed above.

Photos of the course and parking area are up at the top (header). Scroll right!

Remember:
- You must "Accept the challenge" in order to be eligible for any prizes
- After completing the challenge, you need to share at least one photo and GPS evidence with us. See the 'Sharing your results' section below for more details.

Required Gear

Trail running shoes
Phone / GPS device for tracking
Water / Snacks
Your A-game

Suggestion: Togs! Lots of great swim spots :)

Meetup Info

Sharing your results

Map