First Trail Run in New Zealand 🇳🇿 | Hacket Track (Hackett) Nearly Broke Me

Описание: This was my first ever trail run, taking on the Hacket Track to Hacket Hut in Mount Richmond Forest Park near Nelson New Zealand. The route follows Hacket Creek up the valley, starting from the Hacket Track car park on Aniseed Valley Road, with an early river crossing before settling into wide gravel and bush trail.

I went in thinking this would be a fairly steady, runnable trail. That assumption didn’t last long. While the track looks friendly on the map, there are several short, steep climbs that hit harder than expected — especially if, like me, this is your first proper trail run.

The Hacket Track is popular with trail runners, walkers, mountain bikers, and Te Araroa Trail users, and it also provides access to side trips like Whispering Falls and the old chromite mine. Track conditions can change quickly due to weather and slips, so it’s not always as smooth as it appears.

Was I ready for it? Probably not. But that’s part of the fun. This run finishes at Hacket Hut, tucked away in the valley, before turning around and heading back the same way — thankfully with more downhill on the return.

P.S. Apologies for some of the camera angles — accidental chest cam. Moobs included.
P.P.S. Some hills prompted swearing.

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