21 - Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track (Anawhata)

  Anawhata Beach Track  

  Hettig Track  

Anawhata Beach

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	21 - Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track
Region:	Anawhata
Access Point:	Anawhata Road
Coordinates:	-36.92389 174.45852 (Anawhata Beach Track)
	-36.92558 174.49526 (Hettig Track)
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
115	Anawhata Beach Track	0.7
115	return Anawhata Beach Track	0.7
120	Hettig Track	0.5
120	return Hettig Track	0.5
	Map Distance Measured Distance	2.4 2.1

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Solo on 27 JAN 2012

120. Hettig Track

keywords:

Runnable (only just), technical, roots, dirt/mud/clay surface, slippery, hands required, single-track, overgrown but well-marked, steep slope, stairs (few), bush covered, view (Marawhara Stream)

comments:

Hettig Track is a short, steep and slippery, and only just runnable, descent to Marawhara Stream and would be pointless as a standalone run.

                                                                                                                        

 Top Section

115. Anawhata Beach Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel/dirt surface, medium width, well-marked, steep slope, exposed and bush covered, view (Anawhata Beach).

comments:

Quite a challenging run up because of the steep slope, but the amazing views are worth the return effort. Short and sharp run, of no use stand alone but rather to provide access to Anawhata Beach.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile - Anawhata Beach Track

Elevation Profile - Hettig Track

View 21 Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track in a larger map

Anawhata Beach Track

Hettig Track

Line 1 Col 1

Line 1 Col 2

20 - Whatitiri, Long Rd, Lower and Upper (east) Kauri Tracks (Cascades)

Long Road Track

Lower Kauri Track

Upper Kauri Track (east)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	20 - Whatitiri, Long Rd, Lower and Upper (east) Kauri Tracks
Region:	Cascades
Access Point:	Falls Road
Coordinates:	-36.88622 174.51874
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
28	Whatitiri Track	2.9
4	Long Road Track	4.8
4	return Long Road Track	3.2
15	Lower Kauri Track	1.9
14	Upper Kauri Track East	1.4
	Map Distance Measured Distance	14.2 13.1

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 19 JAN 2012

28. Whatitiri Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, river crossing, dirt/grass surface, slippery (when wet), medium width, mostly well marked, medium to steep slope, open but bush-covered near Falls Road end.

comments:

Started out as a gentle bush covered track but ended in a steep and open ascent to Long Road. The track passes through farmland where directions were lacking somewhat. A unique and enjoyable piece of track combining bush with farmland!

15. Lower Kauri Track

keywords:

Runnable (partially), technical, roots, river crossings, dirt, muddy, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, bush covered.

comments:

An extremely technical track with section upon section of roots to overcome, inter dispersed with open stretches where you can extend the legs. Only partially runnable and steep in places.

14. Upper Kauri Track (east)

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical,  board walk/gravel surface, medium width, well-marked, steep slope, stairs, bush covered.

comments:

This track is mostly gravel with vast stretches of boardwalk. The track is steep with a large quantity of stairs and passes by a number of Kauri trees.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

4. Long Road Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, rocks, gravel/grass/clay but mostly dirt, muddy, slippery (clay), medium-width, well-marked, medium to sleep slope, exposed and bush-covered, view (Waitakere Ranges).

comments:

This track has it all! The surface material changes from gravel, to grass, through to dirt and clay with some muddy sections, and then back to gravel where it overlaps with the Montana Heritage Trail. The Long Rd end is open, closing into bush-covered after 1 km. While non-technical in nature, the majority of the track undulates nicely to keep interest, and most sections are of a managable gradient. If joined with Ridge Road track, this would make an excellent and entirely runnable 17 km out and back.
                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 20 Whatitiri, Long Rd, Lower and Upper (east) Kauri Tracks in a larger map

Whatitiri Track

Whatitiri Track

Long Road Track

Long Road Track

Lower Kauri Track

Upper Kauri Track (east)

19 - Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks (Piha)

Marawhara Walk

White Track

View of Piha Beach from White Track

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	19 - Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks
Region:	Piha
Access Point:	North Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.94307 174.46645
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
145	Marawhara Track	0.6
110	White Track	1.3
113	Rose Track	1.2
113	return Rose Track	0.6
126	Laird Thomson Track	0.6
	Beach	1.2
	Map Distance Measured Distance	5.5 5.6

                                                                                                                       

Completed: Solo on 18 JAN 2012

145. Marawhara Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, dirt surface, medium width, well-marked, flat slope, bush-covered.

comments:

A short flat track leading to a river and the start of White Track.

110. White Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, river crossing, dirt surface, some mud, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, stairs, bush-covered, view (west coastline and inland).

comments:

Basically either a relentless up or down of a walking-type nature on a dirt track intermingled with the occasional set of muddy stairs. Some amazing views to be had.

126. Laird Thomson Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, head high vegetation, dirt surface, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, stairs (few), bush-covered, view (west coastline).

comments:

Provides a quick escape from the spur to the beach. A visit to the look out is a must! A number of overhanging branches do upset the flow of this track when running.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

113. Rose Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, dirt/sand/concrete (driveway) surface, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, exposed, view (Whites Beach).

comments:

Another relentless slope to be overcome. A concrete driveway with a grass verge links Anawhata Road to the start of the descent to the beach. Its a steep and long ascent/descent of 200 m from Anawhata Rd to White Beach. Top section, because if you can run the whole thing, then you have achieved something very special!

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 19 Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks in a larger map

Rose Track

Rose Track

Laird Thomson Track

White Track

Laird Thomson Track

View of Whites Beach from Laird Thomson Track

16 - Huia Dam Rd, Nugget and Twin Peaks Tracks (Huia)

Huia Dam Road

Nugget Track

View of Manukau Harbour on a rainy summers day from Twin Peaks Track

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	16 - Huia Dam Rd, Nugget and Twin Peaks Tracks
Region:	Huia
Access Point:	Huia Road
Coordinates:	-36.99589 174.56647
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
63	Huia Dam Road	6
134 68	Nugget Track Huia Ridge Track	2 0.3
70	Twin Peaks Track	4.8
	Map Distance Measured Distance	13.1 13.4

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 7 JAN 2012

63. Huia Dam Road

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel road, easy to medium slope, partially bush-covered, view (Upper and Lower Huia Dams).

comments:

A gravel track of a consistent slope with only a couple of steep sections to contend with. A nice 12 km out and back that links both Upper and Lower Huia Dams.

134. Nugget Track

keywords:

Runnable (partially), technical, knee and head high vegetation, roots, hands required, mud/dirt/clay surface, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, steep slope, mostly bush covered.

comments:

This is a long and steep 2 km climb from Upper Huia Dam to Huia Ridge. Probably quite enjoyable coming down but its a rough track, very slippery and only walkable in the wet.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

70. Twin Peaks Track

keywords:

Runnable (mostly), technical, knee and head high vegetation, roots, rocks, hands required, mud/dirt/clay surface, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, steep slope, bush-covered, view (Manukau Harbour).

comments:

In the wet it is very slippery, muddy and prone to flooding. There is a big elevation gain/loss so be mentally prepared for that. You also visit the highest point in the Waitakere Ranges (Te Toiokawharu, (459 m on sign/474 m on topo)) but there is no view to be had just here, however, you are rewarded for your efforts further along. A long and rather enjoyable track, probably better appreciated in dry conditions.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile - Huia Dam Road and Nugget Track

Elevation Profile - Twin Peaks Track 

View 16 Huia Dam Rd, Nugget and Twin Peaks Tracks in a larger map

Huia Dam Road

Nugget Track

Twin Peaks Track

Twin Peaks Track

9 - Huia Ridge Track (Piha)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	9 - Huia Ridge Track
Region:	Piha
Access Point:	Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.96829 174.51507
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
68	Huia Ridge Track	6
68	return Huia Ridge Track	6
	Map Distance Measured Distance	12.0 12.3

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 5 JAN 2012

68. Huia Ridge Track

keywords:

Mostly unrunnable, technical, knee and head high vegetation, roots, hands required, mud/dirt, slippery, single-track, mostly well-marked, steep slope, bush-covered.

comments:

This long out and back track is mostly unrunnable due to the highly uneven and root ridden surface, the steep slope and the mud. The only opportunity to stretch the legs came on a 300 m section of boardwalk. However, the 3 km section to Piha Rd from the Nugget Track junction is pure pleasure and erases the frustrations of the 9 km that went before. Would recommend this section on its own as a test of downhill nimbleness. Overall this track is an exercise in foot/eye coordination and quadricep strength, and suitable as a walk rather than a run.

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 9 Huia Ridge Track in a larger map

15 - Ridge Road Track (Anawhata)

Ridge Road Track

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	15 - Ridge Road Track
Region:	Anawhata
Access Point:	Anawhata Road
Coordinates:	-36.93525 174.51882
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
5	Ridge Road Track	3.7
5	return Ridge Road Track	3.7
	Map Distance Measured Distance	7.4 7.5

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 3 JAN 2012

5. Ridge Road Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical (when wet), some knee and head high vegetation, dirt/mud and clay surface, slippery (when wet), medium width, well-marked, medium slope, bush-covered.

comments:

A slippery and muddy track after rain makes this a technical track but would probably be much less so in dry conditions. A very enjoyable medium distance out and back of a bearable medium slope.

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 15 Ridge Road Track in a larger map

Ridge Road Track

Ridge Road Track