Fill out your details on the spreadsheet
Entry fee (NZ$50 for Mukamuka or NZ$70 for Mega) is payable using an internet banking transfer to:
- Account name: Aorangi Undulator
- Account number: 02-0576-0059160-001
- Reference: “MM/your-name”
Wellington's Best Micro Adventure
Wellington's Best Micro Adventure
14th August 2022
Fill out your details on the spreadsheet
Entry fee (NZ$50 for Mukamuka or NZ$70 for Mega) is payable using an internet banking transfer to:
The Mukamuka Munter is a 30km adventure run through stunning coast and mountain landscape. It starts on the coast at Turakirae Head and follows the coastline before entering the canyon-like Mukamuka Valley. The course continues over the south saddle of Mt Mathews and enters the Remutaka Forest proper in the Orongorongo valley. After a major river crossing and several Km’s of bush track, it exits at Catchpool Stream.
Total elevation gain | Distance | Estimated time to complete |
---|---|---|
900m | 32km | 3-5 hours |
Meet at the Catchpool Visitor Centre (just to left as you drive off the main highway)
Please bring cash for a massage – $20
Note this isn’t a fully marked route like you would find in an Xterra. Saying that there will be marshals and some tape and the standard doc triangles at key parts but you are expected to do some homework with maps. I strongly suggest downloading Viewranger its a free APP and you can install the topo maps for a few dollars. It works well in the back country as a back up. Don’t rely on technology though you will still need a map and compass.
The route follows the original Mukamuka Munter race route in the southern Rimutakas, and involves running along the coast, up and down rugged rocky valleys and through some fantastic native bush. It is an awesome route!
Starting from Orongorongo River mouth, the route heads East following the South Wairarapa coastline for about 12km. It then turns north up the Mukamuka Stream valley (make sure you take the main valley (not the initial left tributary ) up to South Saddle. From there it takes the Mt Matthews Track northwards (DOWN) to the Orongorongo River.
Once you have crossed the river everyone must take Big Bend Track on far side of river. For safety and to be fair on all competitors do NOT run down the Orongorongo river valley.
After roughly 3km on the Big Bend track, take the Orongorongo Track, following Catchpool Stream, heading West, away from the river, to the car park, then follow the road to the visitor centre.
If the river levels are too high we will use this B course. This will be decided on previous day and email sent out to competitors that night of change
This alternative route is relatively sheltered in trees for most of the way so should be manageable in any weather conditions but can be extremely cold and muddy and while less scenic and spectacular than the official Mukamuka route, is still challenging.
These items are mandatory and must be carried by all competitors at all times during the event:
Recommended equipment
Fill out your details on the spreadsheet
Entry fee (NZ$50 for Mukamuka or NZ$70 for Mega) is payable using an internet banking transfer to:
The Mega Munter is the new brain child of mountain man Bradley Houghton. It involves extra Munting and extra back country experience to qualify. All runners must have run the 32KM Mukamuka munter or demonstrate previous experience in the past 24 months.
Total elevation gain | Distance | Estimated time to complete |
---|---|---|
2300m | 48-50km | 5-10 hours |
Meet at the Catchpool Visitor Centre (just to left as you drive off main highway).
Please bring cash for a massage – $20
Orongoronogo River Crossing – You will have 3.5 hours to reach this point (11.30AM). If you miss this cut off your bib will be marked and you will be asked to take the 32KM route back to the carpark. If you’re worried about this cutoff make sure you’ve studied both routes!
Clay Fork – You will have 8 hours to reach this point (4PM). If you miss this cut off your bib will be marked and you will be asked to go back to the carpark via 5 mile loop. Escape route marked in yellow below.
Recommended equipment
The Mega Munter is an off road trail Ultra Marathon with a little bit of tarmac at the end to let you bring down your average minutes per KM on Strava.
The event is open to runners 18 years of age and above. Runners will need to have either run the Mukamuka Munter 32KM previously or produce evidence of running an equivalent race in the past 24 months. Merit prizes will be awarded to all placegetters (first to third) in each category of three or more entrants. Spot prizes will be awarded to random participants on hand at the completion of the event. The Catchpool Creek Department of Conservation (DOC) office will be used as the event base throughout the event. Race briefing and prizegiving will be conducted here.
Wellington's Best Micro Adventure