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5.1 miles
Distance
244 ft
Climb
-2,654 ft
Descent
01:50:49
Avg time
-2,411 ft
Altitude change
390 ft
Altitude min
2,944 ft
Altitude max
2,801 ft
Altitude start
390 ft
Altitude end
-9%
Grade
-61.5%
Grade max
31.5%
Grade min
3,967 ft
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
2,001 ft
Distance flat
01:50:49
Avg time
Trail Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding Area
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Difficulty Rating
-
Local Popularity5 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT2 Mountain Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailBridge, Rock Face, Rock Garden
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Land Owner
This challenging single track in Golden Bay is one of the region's best. The epic 44 km return track has a whopping 58 switchbacks with an overall climb of 1,820 metres - it's certainly a challenge, but those who conquer it give it rave reviews.
The Kill Devil Track is signposted from the Uruwhenua Road. You'll follow a gravel road along with the cows through some farmland before entering a forestry block. Sign the intention book at the start of the track and get ready for an epic ride. The farm road turns to single track and the real Kill Devil Track begins.
Without a doubt, the most challenging aspect of this ride is the climb up Kill Devil Spur. Don't say we didn't warn you - you'll face 58 (or is it 57?) switchbacks over 800 metres of climbing. The miners who build the track knew what they were doing and the track is quite well graded. You'll climb along a grassy terrace before entering the bush. The beech forest thickens about the same time the grade gets a bit more challenging.
The switchbacks range from smooth, to rocky, to erosion prone with large rocks. Your balance will certainly be tested over the course of the climb. Many of the tight corners are smooth in the approach so you can get a bit of momentum. Inevitably you'll be off the saddle (some more than others) - especially in the last half of the climb where the switchbacks are quite eroded. Expect the climb to the ridge to take between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.
Just before you reach the summit, you'll reach a signposted stream. Fill up your water bottle or CamelBack as this is one of two reliable water sources on the track. Just past the stream the view opens up and there is a great spot for a refuel. The vies are superb - stretching all the way from Abel Tasman National Park to Devil River Peak and the Devil Range.
The ride along the ridge is fantastic - a mix of technical sections with fast, smooth and open sections make for a great 6 km ride. A couple gnarly, rocky descents down a tight ridge will ultimately drop you at the turnoff to Riordans Hut. You'll have to hop off your bike for the first 100 or so metres but after this it's all rideable. The hut has been refurbished, has big open fireplace and offers up some fantastic views. It's a great place to stay for the night.
After passing Riordans Hut you enter the Kahurangi National Park. While this is typically out-of-bounds as far as mountain bikes go, DOC has allowed a three year trial period and you can ride all the way to Waingaro Forks Hut. The ride to the Waingaro Forks Hut is fast and downhill with more rocky and technical switchbacks.
Be prepared for weather to come in quickly as much of the ridge is quite exposed. The ride down is an absolute rush though and just as challenging in reverse on the 58 switchbacks.
source: NZ by Bike
Access Info
From Upper Takaka head north for 6km's, turn left at Uruwhenua Road and head south for almost 3 km's to the signposted start of the track.
Follow the farm road for a few hundred metres to the base of the hills, and then the triangle orange markers will lead you across a stream and up to the single track.
Disclaimer
E-bikes are not permitted on this trail.
Local Trail Association
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Traditionally Indigenous Territory
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- 2 rides
- Last: Dec 15, 2024
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Kill Devil Track... Trail Reports
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Directions to kill-devil-track-carpark-to-tin-hut-shelter trailhead
(-41.015020, 172.759610)
Photos
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Videos
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mtb
772 |
Apr 22, 2018 , Takaka
mtb
545 |
Apr 19, 2018 , Takaka
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