Top 10 Trails (of my personal opinion)
I have quite specific requirements for an enjoyable trail. It has to be hilly and technical - with all sorts of ankle breaking obstacles to avoid, and preferably muddy. Ideally bush covered so I dont get sunburnt and a few river crossings aren't too bad either to break it up. Im not adverse to stairs. What follows are what I think are the top 10 trails that I have run so far:
1. Long Road Track: Undulating and hilly track with a variety of surfaces and environments.
2. Odlins Timber Track: On a rainy day its only just runnable in some parts! Slippery, full of obstacles and steep as!
3. Upper Huia Dam Track: If you can make it through the quagmire of roots for the first 1 km, its a technical, gentle downhill to the Upper Huia Dam.
4. Ridge Road Track: A good length out and back that isn't too steep and not overly technical - good as a lower intensity run.
5. Te Henga Walkway: Bordering too technical for my preference but great view and great difference in terrain and slopes.
6. Ian Wells Track: Good mix of technical and non-technical sections of a medium incline.
7. Lake Wainamu Track: Its flat but the scenery is just so unique!
8. Exhibition Drive: Its flat but full of people which is a novelty in the Waitakeres. Nice easy run for one of those days that needs it.
9. Anderson Track: Good mix of technical and non technical sections, nice length and challenging slope. Good quantity of stairs too.
10. Centennial Track (north): A fulfilling climb greeted with an amazing view.
And it continues because I cant bear to get rid of these ones:
11. Taumata Track: Muddy, steep and un-runnable, but rate it just for the view.
