Community Contributed

Trig

Kete Horowhenua2020-03-23T16:49:33+00:00
'Trig' is a short but strenuous walk about 5 minutes from Levin which culminates in a fantastic view out over Levin and districts.
LocationDenton Road, Levin.

It was Deb's idea. When Pippa and I were in Venice late last year, Deb moved into my house and looked after my family. She took the kids up Trig one night after work. They loved it! So when I got back they informed me that they had a new routine now: Trig on Tuesday!

Access

Drive straight down Queen Street East at the northern set of lights on State Highway 1, Levin, towards the hills to the T intersection. Turn left into Denton Road and a few minutes down on the right you will see a car parking area.

There is a stile by the gate and you just follow the forestry track right to the top. At the top of the hill, turn right to reach the Trig - about 100m, or left for another 15 minutes or so along the ridge to Arapaepae Lookout - the spectacular view is shown in the photo at left. You can return down the same route, or take one of the tracks down to the west and drop down into Makahika Road.

The Track

The road is very steep, loose gravel on a clay base, but well formed and easily managed by 4 wheel drive vehicles. We find it less stressful going up (apart from the breathing and tight calf muscles!) than coming down. Coming down the track is very slide-y (if there is such a word). I constantly worry about falling over but I notice other people running down!

The slow ones among us take about 45 - 50 minutes to the top, the fast ones take 30 minutes. The top is such a blessed relief - but don't be tempted to stop. Stroll along the ridge heading north for about 15 minutes. There is a big flat area on the left side - Arapaepae Lookout - which provides a splendid view - breathtaking.

Be prepared for the elements at the top. The trip up is generally fine; you are continually protected from sun and wind by the trees but the top is very exposed. I have been both chilled to the bone within five minutes, and quite sunburnt (not the same trip!)