19 - Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks (Piha)

Marawhara Walk

White Track

View of Piha Beach from White Track

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	19 - Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks
Region:	Piha
Access Point:	North Piha Road
Coordinates:	-36.94307 174.46645
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
145	Marawhara Track	0.6
110	White Track	1.3
113	Rose Track	1.2
113	return Rose Track	0.6
126	Laird Thomson Track	0.6
	Beach	1.2
	Map Distance Measured Distance	5.5 5.6

                                                                                                                       

Completed: Solo on 18 JAN 2012

145. Marawhara Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, dirt surface, medium width, well-marked, flat slope, bush-covered.

comments:

A short flat track leading to a river and the start of White Track.

110. White Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, river crossing, dirt surface, some mud, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, stairs, bush-covered, view (west coastline and inland).

comments:

Basically either a relentless up or down of a walking-type nature on a dirt track intermingled with the occasional set of muddy stairs. Some amazing views to be had.

126. Laird Thomson Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, head high vegetation, dirt surface, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, stairs (few), bush-covered, view (west coastline).

comments:

Provides a quick escape from the spur to the beach. A visit to the look out is a must! A number of overhanging branches do upset the flow of this track when running.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

113. Rose Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, dirt/sand/concrete (driveway) surface, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, exposed, view (Whites Beach).

comments:

Another relentless slope to be overcome. A concrete driveway with a grass verge links Anawhata Road to the start of the descent to the beach. Its a steep and long ascent/descent of 200 m from Anawhata Rd to White Beach. Top section, because if you can run the whole thing, then you have achieved something very special!

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 19 Marawhara, White, Rose and Laird Thomson Tracks in a larger map

Rose Track

Rose Track

Laird Thomson Track

White Track

Laird Thomson Track

View of Whites Beach from Laird Thomson Track

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

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

14 - Waitakere Dam and Tramline Walk, West Tunnel Mouth, Anderson, Auckland City Walk and Fenceline (north) Tracks (Cascades)

Waitakere Dam Walk

Waitakere Tramline Walk

Waitakere Dam and Reservoir

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	14 - Waitakere Dam and Tramline Walk, West Tunnel Mouth, Anderson, Auckland City Walk and Fenceline (north) Tracks
Region:	Cascades
Access Point:	Scenic Drive
Coordinates:	-36.90012 174.54278
Track #	Track Name	Distance
116	Waitakere Dam Walk	1.4
23	Waitakere Tramline Walk	1.6
30	West Tunnel Mouth Track	0.4
18	Anderson Track Southern Access	0.7
-	Scenic Drive	0.3
18	Anderson Track Northern Access	2.3
16	Auckland City Walk	1.5
19	Fenceline Track (north)	1.4
116	return Waitakere Dam Walk	1.4
	Map Distance Measured Distance	11.0 11.3

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 27 DEC 2011

116. Waitakere Dam Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, tar-seal, well-marked, medium to steep, not covered, view (Waitakere Dam).

comments:

An extremely smooth surface ideal for running with a stroller.

23. Waitakere Tramline Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, tram-tracks, gravel, single-track (alongside tram-tracks), well-marked, flat, stairs (few), bush-covered, view (tunnel).

comments:

A flat and easy gravel run on a narrow strip that runs along side the tram-tracks. Take care, as the tracks can still trip you up somehow. Also, watch your head in the tunnel.

30. West Tunnel Mouth Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, rocks, roots, dirt surface, single-track, well-marked, steep slope, bush-covered.

comments:

A short, steep and gnarly track with roots and rocks underfoot. Its over before you have warmed up to it.

16. Auckland City Walk

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel/dirt, wide, well-marked, easy slope, bush-covered, view (kauri and other natives).

comments:

An extremely well utilised, even-surfaced track. A very easy 1.5 km loop that can add distance to any of the other tracks that feed off this one.

19. Fenceline Track (north)

keywords:

Runnable, technical, roots, dirt/mud, single-track, well-marked, steep slope, stairs (few), bush-covered.

comments:

This track is a bit of a mess but ideal for the trail runner over the Sunday stroller. Stairs, roots and mud galore, and its steep. Great fun. 

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

18. Anderson Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, roots, rocks, dirt/mud, river-crossing, single-track but wider in places, well-marked, steep slope, stairs (large quantity), bush-covered.

comments:

A good balance of technical and non-technical sections on this track, and a satisfying abundance of stairs. 

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 14 - Waitakere Dam and Tramline Walk, West Tunnel Mouth, Anderson, Auckland City Walk and Fenceline (north) Tracks in a larger map

West Tunnel Mouth Track

Anderson Track

Anderson Track

Anderson Track

Fenceline Track (north)

Fenceline Track (north)

Auckland City Walk

2 - Te Henga Walkway (Bethells-Te Henga)

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	2 - Te-Henga Walkway
Region:	Bethells - Te Henga
Access Point:	Constable Road
Coordinates:	-36.84880 174.44373
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
142	Te Henga-Goldie Bush Walkway (west)	8.8
142	return Te Henga-Goldie Bush Walkway (west)	8.8
	Map Distance Measured Distance	17.6 19.0

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 12 NOV 2011

142. Te Henga-Goldie Bush Walkway (west)

keywords:

Runnable (mostly), technical, knee and head high vegetation, uneven dirt/grass surface, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, stairs (few), exposed, view (west coastline)

comments:

An extremely challenging, highly technical cliff run. A combination of flax, gorse, and long grass as well as hidden uneven surfaces, make sections of this track very frustrating to run. The trail veers and slopes towards a steep drop on occasion and is suffering from erosion. And of course there's the stunning view to tempt your eyes from the track, which may have consequences. Out and back - its a long run! There is a steep ascent from Bethells Beach to the ridge line and up to Constable Road, with undulating ground in-between, traversing headlands and bays. Just stunning!

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 2 Te Henga Walkway in a larger map