Waitakere Trails: 18 - Omanawanui, Signal House, Destruction Gully and Kura Tracks (Whatipu)

View down Destruction Gully

Omanawanui Track

View of Omanawanui Track

Loop:	18 - Omanawanui, Signal House, Destruction Gully and Kura Tracks
Region:	Whatipu
Access Point:	Whatipu Road
Coordinates:	-37.02275 174.53527

Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
82	Destruction Gully	1.4
82	return Destruction Gully	1.4
-	Whatipu Rd	0.7
111	Kura Track	3.0
-	Whatipu Rd	0.4
67	Signal House Track	0.4
67	return Signal House Track	0.4
66	Omanawanui Track	3.0
-	Return Whatipu Rd	0.7
	Map Distance Measured Distance	11.4 11.7

Completed: Solo on 02 FEB 2012

66. Omanawanui Track

keywords:

Non-runnable (mostly), technical, rocks, roots, knee and waist high vegetation, dirt/grass/rock surface, single-track, well-marked, steep slope, exposed with some covered sections, view (360 degree views of the west coastline).

comments:

As far as views are concerned, this track is the highlight of the Waitakere Ranges. However as a running track it is not ideal. The terrain is very steep and technical with some areas overwhelmed with prickly vegetation. It is a good tramping track and ideal for building hill strength, but dont expect to be able to run the majority of the length.

67. Signal House Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, grass, wide-track, well-marked, easy slope, exposed, view (360 degree views of the west coastline).

comments:

A short diversion to the tip of the headland for stunning views.

82. Destruction Gully

keywords:

Runnable, technical, dirt surface, slippery, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, bush-covered, view (Awhitu Peninsula and Manukau Heads).

comments:

Short, sharp and slippery 200 m descent/ascent from Whatipu Rd to sea level providing access to fishing rocks at Makaka Bay. Bit too steep and slippery to run up.

Top Section

111. Kura Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, roots, river crossing, dirt surface, mud, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, medium to steep slope, bush-covered, view (Whatipu River).

comments:

From Whatipu Rd there is a short section of Puriri Ridge Track then its a rapid descent along a very technical Kura Track to cross then meander alongside Whatipu River. Top section because its a long and mostly runnable track of a good length.