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

5 - Upper Huia Dam Track (Huia)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	5 - Upper Huia Dam Track
Region:	Huia
Access Point:	Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.94392 174.53631
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
133	Upper Huia Dam Track	4
133	return Upper Huia Dam Track	4
	Map Distance Measured Distance	8 7.8

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Solo on 19 OCT 2011

133. Upper Huia Dam Track

keywords:

Partially-runnable, technical, rocks, roots (lots), river crossings, head high foliage, mud, slippery, narrow, well-marked, easy slope, bush covered, view (dam)

comments:

The first 1 km is frustratingly un-runnable with roots crossing the track at every step. A highly technical single-track with a very gradual slope to Upper Huia Dam. Enjoyable, if you can make it past the first 1 km. Recommended as a dry weather track as is muddy, slippery and full of small lakes. Watch the supple jack overhead, it will take your eye out.

Topo Map. Click to enlarge.

Elevation Profile. Recalibration in the middle, still off at the end...but you get the picture.
Gentle Slope, Click to enlarge.