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.

                                                                                                                        

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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

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

7 - McElwain, Quarry, Mckenzie, Piha Valley and Centennial North Tracks (Anawhata)

McElwain Lookout Track

Centennial Track (north)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	7 - McElwain, Quarry, McKenzie, Piha Valley and Centennial North Tracks
Region:	Anawhata
Access Point:	Anawahta Rd
Coordinates:	-36.93712 174.51381
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
114	McElwain Lookout Track	1
104	Quarry Track	1.1
102	McKenzie Track	1.1
101	Piha Valley Track	1
101	return Piha Valley Track	2.2
100	Centennial Track	1.95
	Map Distance Measured Distance	8.35 8.35

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Accompanied on 24 OCT 2011

114. McElwain Lookout Track

keywords:
Runnable, non-technical, rocks, gutters, head high foliages, rock/dirt, narrow, well marked, not bush-covered, easy to medium slope, view (Stunning view of the Waitakeres to Piha).

comments:
Short walking loop track to a lookout tower (354 m) with amazing views.

104. Quarry Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, rocks, roots, dirt/mud, narrow, single-track, well marked, bush-covered, medium slope.

comments:
Short track with some highly technical, muddy and slippery sections.

102. McKenzieTrack

keywords:

Runnable, technical, rocks, roots, river crossing, hands required, dirt/mud, clay, slippery, single/track, well-marked, bush-covered, steep slope, stairs (few).

comments:
Very steep descent to Piha Valley. Highly technical and slippery in places. Opens up into a wider track in a section of beautiful open bush. Rewarded at the bottom with a river crossing.

101. Piha Valley Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, some roots, rocks and mud, dirt/mud/gravel, wide, well-marked, flat slope (Glenesk Rd to McKenzie Track), steep slope (McKenzie to Centennial Tracks), stairs (lots), view (Piha Stream and Piha Gorge).

comments:

A flat easy run combined with a sharp, steep stair climb. Views of the river and gorge the entire way to numb the boredom or pain.

                                                                                                                        

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100. Centennial Track (north)

keywords:
Runnable, non-technical, some rocks and roots, river-crossing, mud/dirt, single track, well-marked, bush-covered, medium slope, view (Piha Stream and Waitakeres). 

comments:
Feels like a long track with a very consistent medium gradient just above comfortable. Some small obstacles along the way. Overall non-technical but some how an enviable sense of achievement evolves whilst stopping to enjoy the view from near the top.

                                                                                                                        

Topo map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 7 McElwain, Quarry, Mckenzie, Piha Valley and Centennial North Tracks in a larger map
Google maps is having issues, hopefully it will be resolved and this map will show correctly!

Quarry Track

Quarry Track

McKenzie Track

McKenzie Track

Piha Valley Track

Piha Valley Track

Centennial Track (north)

View from McElwain Lookout

Piha River from Centennial Track (north)

6 - Ian Wells, Cutty Grass and Browne Tracks (Piha)

Ian Wells Track

Cutty Grass Track

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	6 - Ian Wells, Cutty Grass, Browne Tracks
Region:	Piha
Access Point:	Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.93671 174.55652
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
-	Road	0.7
81	Ian Wells Track	2.4
41	Cutty Grass Track North	1.3
41	return Cutty Grass Track North	1.3
41	Cutty Grass Track South	2.5
41	return Cutty Grass Track South	0.7
5	Ridge Rd Track South	0.8
22	Browne Track	0.5
22	return Browne Track	0.5
5	return Ridge Rd Track South	0.8
41	return Cutty Grass Track South	1.8
81	return Ian Wells Track	2.4
-	Road	0.7
	Map Distance Measured Distance	16.4 15.4

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Accompanied on 22 OCT 2011

22. Browne Track

keywords:
non-runnable, knee and head-high foliage, dirt, single-track, not well-marked (not maintained), steep slope, bush-covered, view (Anawhata River)

comments:
The youthfulness of the entrance sign did not correlate at all with the maintenance of this track. Reduced to walking the entire length as the track was not clear in places. Got more cuts and scratches on this track than on Cutty Grass Track. Involved a steep descent to a river.

41. Cutty Grass Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, rocks, dirt, wide, well-marked, gentle slope, not bush-covered, view (brief glimpse of the vastness of the Waitakeres)

comments:
Despite its name, there was thankfully no Cutty Grass. Track was a wide 4WD maintenance track for the power lines that run alongside. Nice easy slope with a few rocky obstacles.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

81. Ian Wells Track (formerly Upper Nihotupu Track)

keywords:
Runnable, technical, rocks, roots, river crossings, slippery, mud/dirt, single-track, well-marked, medium slope, bush-covered, view (river)

comments:
This exciting single-track had a good balance of technical and non-technical sections. Some parts were muddy and flooded, and the medium incline allowed for constant running. A charming riverside spot about half-way.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 6 Ian Wells Cutty Grass and Browne Tracks in a larger map

Browne Track

Ian Wells Track

Cutty Grass 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.

3 - Odlin Timber Track (Karekare)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	3 - Odlin Timber Track
Region:	Karekare
Access Point:	Lone Kauri Road
Coordinates:	-36.99660 174.49940
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
80	Odlin Timber Track	2.8
80	return Odlin Timber Track	2.8
	Map Distance Measured Distance	5.6 5.6

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Solo on 18 OCT 2011

80. Odlin Timber Track

keywords:

mostly runnable, technical, hands required, rocks, roots, river crossings, mud, clay, slippery, wide, well-marked, steep slope, stairs, bush covered

comments:

Embracing this run in a downpour resulted in a slippery experience! Some sections were not runnable in the rain with a number of washed out clay v-channels with foot steps dug into the clay. Track was either ascending or descending, there were no flat sections on this run! A very exciting, highly technical single-track.

                                                                                                                        

Topo map. Click to enlarge.

Elevation Profile with a recalibration in the middle, data still shows drift but you get the idea. 

Click to enlarge.

View 3 - Odlin Timber Track in a larger map