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

13 - Exhibition Drive, Beveridge and Slip Tracks, and Pipeline Road (Arataki)

Exhibition Drive

Slip Track

Beveridge Track

Pipeline Road

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	13 - Exhibition Drive, Beveridge and Slip Tracks, and Pipeline Road
Region:	Arataki
Access Point:	Scenic Drive
Coordinates:	-36.93699 174.64421
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
50	Exhibition Drive	3.2
146?	Beveridge Track	1.6
25	Slip Track	1
52	Pipeline Road	2
-	Exhibition Drive (road section)	0.5
50	return Exhibition Drive	3.2
	Map Distance Measured Distance	11.5 12.3

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 26 DEC 2011

146. Beveridge Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, currently some clay but eventually gravel surface, medium width, bush-covered, easy to medium slope, view (Lower Nihotupu Reservoir, Manukau and Waitemata Harbours).

comments:

A brand new track providing a link between Exhibition Drive and Arataki Visitors Centre thus opening up more loop options. There are both flat and steepish sections on this shortish run.

25. Slip Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, narrow gravel track at Arataki end, widening to a dirt road, well marked, mostly bush-covered, steep slope, some stairs, view.

comments:

Either a steep up or down, depending on direction but a nice surface underfoot. 360 degree views at the Arataki Visitors Centre enroute.

52. Pipeline Road

keywords:  
Runnable, non-technical, gravel, wide, well-marked, medium slope, not bush-covered

comments:
Undulating gravel road with a sharp steep section in the middle. Links to Exhibition Drive by a steep road section.

                                                                                                                        

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50. Exhibition Drive

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel, wide, well-marked, flat, mostly bush-covered, view (Manukau Harbour).

comments:

A well utilised flat gravel track ideal for an easy 6.4 km out and back.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 13 - Exhibition Drive, Beveridge and Slip Tracks and Pipeline Road in a larger map

Exhibition Drive

Beveridge Track

Slip Track

Pipeline Road

12 - Walker Kauri and Sharp Bush Tracks (Cascades)

Walker Kauri Track

Sharp Bush Track

Walker Kauri, named after its protector W.R. Walker

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	12 - Walker Kauri and Sharp Bush Tracks
Region:	Cascades
Access Point:	Mountain Rd
Coordinates:	-36.90413 174.56431
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
119	Sharp Bush Track	1.2
119	return Sharp Bush Track	1.2
-	Road	0.2
34	Walker Kauri Track	0.75
34	return Walker Kauri Track	0.75
-	Road	0.2
	Map Distance Measured Distance	4.3 2.5

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 21 DEC 2011
Note: Map distances were obtained from the ARC  website and may be return distances.

34. Walker Kauri Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, roots, dirt, single-track, well-marked, easy slope, bush-covered, view (Large Kauri tree).

comments:

A very short track (400 m) of an easy gradient. Not worth the effort unless linked with Sharp Bush Track by a 200 m section of Mountain Rd.

                                                                                                                        

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119. Sharp Bush Track

keywords:  
Runnable, technical, roots, river-crossing, dirt, medium width, well-marked, medium slope, but steep in places, stairs (only a few), bush-covered.

comments:
An enjoyable short and sharp track (600 m), suitable for hill repeats. Some challenging sections due to tree roots.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile - Walker Kauri Track

Elevation Profile - Sharp Bush Track

View 12 Walker Kauri - Road - Sharp Bush in a larger map

Walker Kauri Track

Sharp Bush Track

Sharp Bush Track

10 - Lake Wainamu and Houghton Tracks (Bethells - Te Henga)

Lake Wainamu Track

Houghton Track

Lake Wainamu and Smythe Ridge

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	10 - Lake Wainamu and Houghton Tracks
Region:	Bethells - Te Henga
Access Point:	Bethells Rd
Coordinates:	-36.88391 174.45266
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
132	Lake Wainamu Track (clockwise)	4.0
131	Houghton Track	2.1
131	return Houghton Track	2.1
132	Lake Wainamu Track (clockwise)	3.1
	Map Distance	11.3
	Measured Distance	11.7

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 18 NOV 2011

131. Houghton Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, rocks, roots, dirt, narrow, well-marked, steep slope, bush-covered.
comments:
A relentless 2 km steep rise to Smyth Ridge with plenty of obstacles underfoot. Ignore the lesser-formed side tracks as they lead to private property. This track is part of the Hillary trail.

                                                                                                                        

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132. Lake Wainamu Track

keywords:  

runnable, non-technical, sand/grass/dirt/gravel, wide with some single-track, well-marked, flat, open, view (waterfalls, dunes and Lake Wainamu).

comments: 

A flat and open loop track around Lake Wainamu taking in some stunning and unique scenery. You can intensify this run by ascending the dunes or choosing the loose sandy sections as terrain. A small side-trip will reveal a set of water-falls. Part of the Lake Wainamu loop is included in the Hillary trail.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 10 Lake Wainamu and Houghton Tracks in a larger map

Lake Wainamu Track

Lake Wainamu Track

Lake Wainamu Track

Houghton Track

8 - Upper Nihotupu Walk (Arataki)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	8 Upper Nihotupu Walk
Region:	Arataki
Access Point:	Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.93619 174.55926
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
51	Upper Nihotupu Walk	2.6
51	return Upper Nihotupu Walk	2.6
	Map Distance Measured Distance	5.2 *6.4

*Includes additional return distance to tunnels
                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 15 NOV 2011

51. Upper Nihotupu Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel, wide, well-marked, gentle to medium slope, semi bush-covered, stairs (up dam face), views (dam, waterfall, tram-tracks and tunnels)

comments:

A very easy short run of a gentle to medium incline to Upper Nihotupu Dam and other features. There is a noteworthy stair climb up the dam face.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 8 Upper Nihotupu Walk in a larger map