Description

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

Get out to the Huia / Karamatura track anytime between Thursday through Tuesday, either solo, or with some mates, and complete one of the following:

Hillary Trail Intermediate Challenge: Approx 18.5kms

Follow the Karamatura Loop Walk alongside the stream and up the valley to the junction with Karamatura Tk which climbs very steeply to Karamatura Forks (300m in 2km). Continue on Donald McLean Track along the ridge to the junction with Puriri Ridge Track (a short 20min detour from here will take you to the summit of Mt Donald Mclean with spectacular views of the area).

Follow Puriri Ridge Tk to Whatipu Road. Cross over to join Omanawanui Track which will take you all the way down to Whatipu. This track has some steep ascents and descents but is one of the most dramatic and stunning parts of the trail, with incredible views of the Manukau Harbour, South Head and vast expanses of the Waitakere Ranges.

The Hillary Trail continues from Whatipu along the 3.9km Gibbons Track which begins with a solid climb with only occasional relief as you head towards Mount Gilles (259m). Your reward is sweeping vistas of the extensive and precious Whatipu Sands Scientific Reserve, a unique conservation area.

Following the undulating ridge will bring you to the junction of Muir and Walker Ridge Tracks. Take the Walker Ridge Track (2.8km), which will lead you back towards the Karamatura Track. You will first reach Orange Peel Corner, take a right to continue on Walker Ridge. At the forks, take a right onto Huia Ridge Track, then a left back onto the Karamatura track.

Hillary Trail Advanced Challenge: Approx 24kms

Instead of taking a right onto Walker Ridge Track, continue onto the Muir Track which descends quite steeply into the Pararaha Valley. The track then passes through the Pararaha Campsite set in the heart of this spectacular valley.

Head west down the valley past the shelter and cross the Pararaha Stream (can be difficult to cross in flood) following the track to the Buck Taylor Track junction. From here, take a right onto Buck Taylor Track. You'll follow Buck Taylor in it's entirety, up to Lone Kauri Rd, where you will jump onto the Odlin Timber Track.

The Odlin Timber Track will take you back down toward the Karamatura Forks, via Orange Peel Corner. Make a left onto Walker Ridge. At the forks, take a right onto Huia Ridge Track, then a left back onto the Karamatura track.

Study the topo map here: http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/trck36031/Odlin-Timber-Track

Course maps 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

Meetup Info

Sharing your results

Map