Outback #51

Outback is an 11 km, grade 3 loop which starts and finishes at the Connection and passes through 6 different forestry compartments. As of January 2021 we are at the end of a phase of logging which has meant many sections have been rebuilt. The length of each section is in brackets at the start and the cumulative total at the end. (As measured by wheel, not GPS.)
Outback I– Connection to Laneway Crossing (1.3 km). Logged and planted 2020 and includes a circumnavigation of the prominent larval dome. 1.3 km.
Outback II– Laneway Crossing to Chain Link junction (1.0 km). Built in 2017 and has featured some spectacular Foxglove displays each December. Option – Go left to onto Chain Link where Outback continues into the mature pines to shortcut to Slalom. Total 2.3 km.
Outback III – Chain Link junction to Ridges Road (3.0 km). This is the last section of Outback in mature pines. Climb to a high point beside the Wairakei Golf Plus Sanctuary predator fence (3.8 km) then enjoy some welcome downhill. Options at 4.6 km to exit right to Wairakei Resort and also at 5.3 km you can go right to join the Steamfields (Sugar Daddy) loop. The track continues across Ridges Road- total 6.1 km.
Outback IV “And Beyond” to Stretton’s Drop (2.5 km). – Built 2019 and due to be planted 2021. Views over Wairakei Geothermal plant with some info boards on the way. Total 8.6 km.
Outback V “Slalom” Stretton’s to Laneway Crossing (1.1 Km). Built 2020 with some Slalomish additions added along the valley floor January 2021. Total 9.7 km.
Outback VI “Jim Berm” Laneway Crossing to Connection. This mildly intoxicating 1.3 km section is what happens when you give an old biker a few weeks on a digger. You will arrive back at the Connection with a smile on your face. Total 11 km.
“Little Outback” is the 2.6 km loop made by turning left onto Jim Berm before crossing the laneway at the end of Outback I

Park map no 51.

Access Info

Starts and finishes at the Connection.