Here are the maps and details for some of our favourite runs in Auckland:
Bucklands Beach
Mostly flat and mostly coastal, this run is ideal for clocking up the miles ready for that upcoming marathon, half or ultra. The course is a simple lollipop that follows the Rotary Walkway south to the Panmure Basin where we complete an anti-clockwise loop, before heading home.
To shorten, turn back at any time. To lengthen, there are plenty of options around Musick Point and Bucklands Beach.
Meet: 47 The Parade, Bucklands Beach
Distances: 10, 15, 21, and 24k + options.
Mangere Bridge Watercare Walkway- 13, 21 & 32k
Flat and mostly off road—this is the place to get in LOTS of miles to get you ready for that upcoming half or full marathon!
Meeting at the Mangere Boating Club we’ll head south from there along the coast through Ambury Regional Park, around the lake in the south (turn back here for 13k) and then carry on south along the Watercare Pathway.
Once back to the boat club we’ll have options to carry on north to the Onehunga coastal path. So there is plenty of extra mileage to be done here on flat trails.
Meet at Mangere Boating Club (opposite 32 Kiwi Esplanade)
Distances: 10k, 13k, 21k +
Mission Bay Two Lookouts
From Mission Bay we’ll make the short journey west before along Tamaki Drive before climbing up to the trig at Bastion Point. We’ll retrace our steps back to Mission Bay before heading out to the lookout at Achilles Point. Retracing our steps one more time back to the beach and cafes of Mission Bay to finish a nice cruisy return to our Sunday runs.
We will also have an optional extra 3k excursion into the trails of Dingle Dell Reserve (at St Heliers) on the way back to Mission Bay.
Meet at 8am at the car park opposite Mission Bay’s Berkeley Cinemas.
Distances: 5, 11, 14k + options
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1093929752
Cascade Kauri (Waitakere Ranges)
This stunning section of the Waitakere Ranges has lush bush, well-maintained trails and a few hills to keep things interesting.
The main course we’ll be running heads clockwise on the Auckland City Walkway then left onto Fence Line Track. This takes us up to the Waitakere Reservoir. Here run briefly to the left to check out the dam and then head back to the right around the reservoir on Fence Line Track. Turn right on to Long Road Track and follow it all the way to Whatitiri Track (turn right) which takes us back to Cascade Kauri.
This loop is about 12k but you can cut it shorter by turning right off Long Road Track to head down Upper Kauri Track. This shorter option is about 8k (keeping in mind that 8k is worth about 11-12k on the flat).
There are many other options to run further or shorter from Cascade Kauri.
Meet at the furthest Cascade Kauri car park, Falls Road.
Distances: 8k, 12k + options
Map: http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/cascades
Takapuna Beach Cafe, Takapuna – 15.5k
From the cafe we’ll first head down the coast along the beach and then jump over to the Greenway and follow it south along the western side of the peninsula to reach Devonport. From here we’ll follow the Auckland Marathon course back north to Takapuna.
This full loop is 15.5km but if you’d like to make it 13k, head left via Seabreeze Rd to Narrow Neck Beach (you’ll still experience the main two hills of the Takapuna section of the Auckland Marathon course).
To make it 9k, head left along Bayswater Ave to Lake Road.
Meet at Takapuna Beach Cafe (22 The Promenade)
Distances: 10k, 13k, 15.5k or longer
Long Bay Regional Park
This is a stunning little regional park on the North Shore and ideal for a summertime destination run. The route we will take will follow the road to the Coastal Walkway of which we will just complete an out-and-back (10k total). To keep things interesting on the way back we’ll have the options of also including 1km or so diversions on the Natural Trail, 100 Acre Trail and beach.
To add on, either complete another out-and-back or venture into the surrounding suburbs.
Meet at the second car park to the right after crossing the bridge into the park. 2000 Beach Road, Long Bay.
Distances: 5, 10k + options
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1359725914
Hobson Bay & Orakei Basin – 10k/17k/26k
This classic Mission Bay loop is a must-run for all Aucklanders. We’ll start on the flat of Tamaki Drive before completing a loop around both Orakei Basin and then Hobson Bay. There are a couple of hills on both these loops but we finish back on the flats of Tamaki Drive where you can add on distance. Those running shorter can turn back at their desired point.
Meet at 8am at the car park opposite Mission Bay’s Berkeley Cinemas.
Distances: 5, 10, 17.5k +
Download the map.
Piha Trails
The most iconic of Auckland’s beaches with big surf and brilliant trails.
The routes we are doing will include a first visit out to Kitekite Falls (a lollipop return trip via Glen Esk Rd, Kitekite Track, Knutzen Track). This out-and-back loop is 5k with some more mild hills in it.
For those going longer, we’ll peel off to the right at the top of Glen Esk Rd to follow Piha Valley Track, Centennial Track, Quarry Track, Maungaroa Ridge Track, Maungaroa Lookout Track and Garden Road back to the cafe. This creates a total run of 15k but includes a lot of hills so is worth a lot more than 15k (more like 20-21k on the flat).
To cut this longer route shorter to about 12k, take the Mckenzie Track from the Mckenzie Junction back to Piha Valley Rd and Glen Esk Rd.
To go longer, run north along the beach to Laird Thomsen and Whites Tracks.
Bring a friend or three! Stick around for a swim, coffee at the cafe and chill at the beach. And use the comments section below to arrange car pooling.
NOTE: Please bring suitable footwear (particularly if wet), water to carry when running (and gels or other on-the-run snacks), maps (saved to your phone for offline access), and have the track route written down so you can find your way if you get separated from your pace group.
Download the trail map here and carry it on your phone during the run.
Devonport
Today we’re going to explore some of the beautiful coastal reserves around the sleepy suburb of Devonport with this 10k loop.
If you’d like to add on more distance, we’d recommend making another trip back along the coast to North Head, adding another 4-6k depending where you go once at North Head.
Meet at Devonport Library (Winsor Reserve, King Edward Parade)
Distances: 6k, 10k, 15k +
Download the map
Maraetai – 18k/32k
This is a stunning seaside run with a great cafe and beach to relax at once all the running has been done. Of which there is plenty of running out here!
We’ll head west first heading along the coast to the marina at Beachlands, before retracing our steps back to Maraetai (18k in total). For those going longer there is a great 14k out-and-back to Duder Regional Park heading east along the coast road.
Meet at Maraetai Wharf (231 Maraetai Drive)
Distances: 10k, 18k and 32k +
Download the map.
Maraetai to Duder 14k add on map.
Totara Park, Manukau
South Auckland’s premier destination for running, Totara Park includes beautiful bush, some meaty hills and meandering mountain bike paths that are soft under foot—ideal for a lap or two on this 10k course.
We’ll start by heading west to do a partial loop around the lower bush section before following the western border of the park up to the mountain bike paths of:
- Hub Connector (Fat Man’s Revenge)
- Pony Express
- Anaconda
Then we do one small loop around the eastern portion of the lower bush to make a total of 10k. Add on by doing another lap … or two!
Western Springs – 7.5, 15k +
This run combines the parks of Western Springs, Seddon Fields and Meola Reef. It’s short but plenty interesting enough to do a couple of loops and/or add-on through Grey Lynn. There’s a couple of good hills in there too. 🙂
Meet at 8am at the Auckland Zoo car park.
Distances: 7.5k + options
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/513805184
Titirangi Trails
A great route that takes in some beautiful trails around Titirangi. We’ll west along Scenic and then Exhibition Dr. Then follow the Beveridge Track to the visitor centre (toilets and water here). Then will run down (steep!) Slip Track before beginning our journey back via Pipeline Road (nice uphill here) and back along Exhibition Drive.
Meet at 8am at the car park in Titirangi village centre.
Distances: 15k, 13k (turn back at the visitor centre and avoid the hills), 9k (out-and-back along Exhibition Dr)
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/988105899
Mission Bay to Tahuna Torea
From the well-worn paths of Tamaki Drive we’ll head into the lesser known, but incredibly scenic, parks of St Heliers and Glendowie. The full out-and-back course is 17.5k with a fair amount of hills from St Heliers onwards. There are also options to run 5k (to St Heliers and back), 10k (turn back after a loop of Glover Park) and to go longer than 17.5k (along Tamaki Drive).
Meet at 8am at the car park opposite Mission Bay’s Berkeley Cinemas.
Distances: 5, 10, 17.5k +
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/922016101
Mt Eden Trail Challenge
This is a timed run that is open to everyone to join. It’s not an official race, but is a good chance to test yourself out on the trails and terrain at one of Auckland’s iconic spots.
This run is our Sunday Group Run for the week so, as usual, it’s open to everyone and anyone to join. We’re meeting at 8am at the roundabout at the on Puhi Huia Rd.
8am – meeting and run briefing
8:05am – warm up and get-to-know the course
8:30am – official run start
The main course is 5.5km long with over 300m of vertical, so it’s ideal training for any trail races you might have coming up. This is not an official race so everyone takes part at their own risk and you should know the route well enough to follow it on your own.
Bring your trail shoes (there’s about 1km max of sealed road and the remainder is either well-formed trail or goat tracks).
Mapmyrun Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1634575150
Okura Bush
This is a TempoFit classic run. 25mins north of central Auckland is this beautiful patch of lush native bush with stunning coastal views. The course is 8k out and 8k back (16k total) with plenty of climbing and varied terrain.
There are options to turnaround earlier (the main one being at the 5k mark at Dacre Cottage – the main beach you reach midway in the run.
Trail shoes are a good idea, don’t leave valuables in your car, and pack a picnic brunch (there are no cafes nearby!).
Auckland’s Three Peaks
Today we’re conquering Auckland’s three central volcanic peaks of Mt Hobson, Mt St John and Mt Eden, before we make our way through the lush trails of Auckland Domain.
Meet at Domain & Ayr Cafe, 492 Parnell Rd.
Distances: 5k, 10k, 24k +
Map: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/968286597
Titirangi – 14k/21k/28k
This is the classic Waiatarua Loop that kiwi running legends Peter Snell, Arthur Lydiard, John Walker, Murray Halberg and even our modern Olympians like Hamish Carson train on. It is on road until we reach the Arataki Visitor Centre when we switch to a 5k section on well formed gravel trails. This is a dangerous road with limited footpaths so please wear hi-vis clothing and keep well left (and no headphones please!).
At the 6.5k mark there is a turn off to the shorter 14k option via Shaw Road. Water and toilets available at the visitor centre. Those doing more than the 21k loop, do an out-and-back along the full length of Exhibition Drive (7k—assuming you don’t drop all the way down to Huia Road).
Meet at the car park on the corner of South Titirangi and Titirangi Roads.
Distances: 14k/21k/28k
Download the map of the full loop and the Exhibition Drive out-and-back
Mission Bay – Hobson Bay + Orakei Basin – 10k/17k/26k
This classic Mission Bay loop is a must-run for all Aucklanders. We’ll start on the flat of Tamaki Drive before completing a loop around both Orakei Basin and then Hobson Bay. There are a couple of hills on both these loops but we finish back on the flats of Tamaki Drive where you can add on distance or even do some half/full marathon paced efforts along the flat. Those running shorter can turn back at their desired point.
Meet at 8am at the car park opposite Mission Bay’s Berkeley Cinemas.
Distances: 5, 10, 17.5k +
Download the map.
Maraetai – 18k/32k
This is a stunning seaside run with a great cafe and beach to relax at once all the running has been done. Oh which there is plenty of running out here! We’ll head west first heading along the coast to the marina at Beachlands, before retracing our steps back to Maraetai (18k in total). For those going longer there is a great 14k out-and-back to Duder Regional Park heading east along the coast road.
Meet at Maraetai Wharf (231 Maraetai Drive)
Distances: 10k, 18k and 32k +
Download the map.
Maraetai to Duder 14k add on map.
Cornwall Park – 18k
Meet at Cornwall Park Cafe (near the band stand — yes, where parkrun meets). The course we’ll be doing is a perimeter loop of the park that is mostly off road and can be muddy (so trail shoes aren’t a bad idea). Each loop is 9k long with options to pull out at 5k. So you can construct distances from 5k, 9k, 14k, 18k, and beyond.
Meet at Cornwall Park Cafe
Distances: 15k, 9k, 14k, 18k, and beyond
Rotorua Recovery Run (Government Gardens)
Our traditional Rotorua recovery run, this is an easy recovery run from Government Gardens (outside the Museum) around the Sulphur Flats to the Redwoods’ Waitawa Walk (keeping it mostly flat and easy to boost recovery from Saturday).
Meet at Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens at 7:30am (note the slightly earlier start time so we’re back to hotels in time to check out).
Distances: 8k (Sulphur Flats out-and-back), 12k (Redwoods out-and-back) and 15.5k (Redwoods + Waitawa Walk)
Map
Mission Bay – Hobson Bay + Orakei Basin – 17k/26k
Today we’re doing a loop of Hobson Bay and Orakei Basin, with a nice warm up and warm down along Tamaki Drive.
If you would like to add on more you can easily do this on Tamaki Drive (in either direction) and if you would like to cut it shorter either turn back along Tamaki Drive or just complete a loop around Orakei Basin before heading back to Mission Bay (12.5k total).
Plus, if you have a half marathon or full marathon coming up, many of us are going to treat the second half of this run as a chance to practice race pace. We suggest 2x4k once back on the flat of Tamaki Drive from the 12k mark.
Meet at the Mission Bay car park opposite Berkeley Cinemas.
Distances: 10k, 17k, 26k + options
Titirangi Waiatarua Loop – 14k/21k/28k
This is the classic Waiatarua Loop that kiwi running legends Peter Snell, Arthur Lydiard, John Walker, Murray Halberg and even our modern Olympians like Hamish Carson train on. It is on road until we reach the Arataki Visitor Centre when we switch to a 5k section on well formed gravel trails. This is a dangerous road with limited footpaths so please wear hi-vis clothing and keep well left (and no headphones please!).
At the 6.5k mark there is a turn off to the shorter 14k option via Shaw Road. Water and toilets available at the visitor centre. Those doing more than the 21k loop, do an out-and-back along the full length of Exhibition Drive (7k—assuming you don’t drop all the way down to Huia Road).
Meet at the car park on the corner of South Titirangi and Titirangi Roads.
Distances: 14k/21k/28k
Download the map of the full loop and the Exhibition Drive out-and-back
Mission Bay
Meet at Mission Bay Fountain, 8am Sunday 9 April.
Distances: 5k, 10k + options
Zoo + City Loop
From Auckland Zoo (Western Springs) we’ll head north through Seddon Fields, east through Westmere and Herne Bay to reach the waterfront paths of Westhaven and the Viaduct. From here we’ll join the bike paths heading up Grafton Gully and alongside the motorway to find our way bike to Western Springs, finishing off with a gentle jog around the lake and a coffee or two at the zoo cafe.
Meet at Auckland Zoo car park.
Distances: 5k, 10k and 17.5k + options to go longer (via Meola Reef)
Map
