This main loop is a challenging route that measures 22km long, that is mostly on bush track and gravel roads.  After a steady climb up the Karapoti Gorge, we'll visit Three Skulls Road, Craig Flat and the Birchville Dam.

There is also an out and back up the Akatarawa Road.  Turning at Efil Doog Art Garden is 14km, and Staglands 20km.  Alternatively, you can run up the Karapoti Gorge river trail before returning to the start the same way.  It is about 4km from the start to the top of the river trail.