Aorangi Undulator
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About the race
The Aorangi Undulator is a point-to-point backcountry course from Mangatoetoe to Putangirua Pinnacles, approximately 27 km with about 2,000 m of ascent. The route is presented as a navigation route rather than a well-marked track; course marking is limited and marshals are positioned at Kawakawa Hut, Pararaki Hut, Washpool Hut and the Pinnacles turn-off.
Terrain includes wet and technical river travel, mud, scree, steep and precipitous descents, braided streams and narrow ridge work. The course description notes multiple river crossings, boulder-hopping sections, knife-edge ridges and several sustained climbs of roughly 130 m, 310 m and 550 m in key segments. Competitors must check in with marshals at the named huts; reaching Kawakawa Hut more than three hours after the start triggers the stated cut-off and requires exiting to the nearest road end.
Navigation resources include a GPX file and a CalTopo event map available for offline use; entrants are required to carry the essential gear listed in the race regulations. A personal locator beacon or satellite tracking device is mandatory. Parking is limited at the start and ample at the finish, with about 21 km driving between them. Warm clothing and belongings can be left at bag drop at the start for transfer to the finish. Nearby accommodation options are listed for planning purposes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
