Karetai Loop

Consulting several different forecasts, it looks like a perfect time this Thursday to return to the Peninsula - should be fine, but with a northerly wind, so come prepared. We'll return to the eastern end of Smaills Beach (see location). We begin by ascending up the Karetai Track. The gradient eases as we reach Karetai Road and enjoy the gentle climb up to Highcliff Road. A short stretch on Highcliff Road before the descent down Buskin Track begins. Once starting this descent, the track conditions are more difficult. Eventually, we swing onto Highcliff Track. The climb up Highcliff Track is the stuff of legends, occasionally tricky underfoot and with a brutal ascent. All that remains is to connect again with Karetai Road and enjoy the glide back down to the cars! Although the forecast is good (at the moment) it's a good idea to have an extra windproof layer. An estimated distance of 11.5-12 km and approximately 500 metres of total ascent.