18 - Omanawanui, Signal House, Destruction Gully and Kura Tracks (Whatipu)

View down Destruction Gully



Omanawanui Track

Omanawanui Track

View of Omanawanui Track

 
                                                                                                                        

Loop:	18 - Omanawanui, Signal House, Destruction Gully and Kura Tracks
Region:	Whatipu
Access Point:	Whatipu Road
Coordinates:	-37.02275 174.53527
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
82	Destruction Gully	1.4
82	return Destruction Gully	1.4
-	Whatipu Rd	0.7
111	Kura Track	3.0
-	Whatipu Rd	0.4
67	Signal House Track	0.4
67	return Signal House Track	0.4
66	Omanawanui Track	3.0
-	Return Whatipu Rd	0.7
	Map Distance Measured Distance	11.4 11.7

                                                                                                                        

Completed: Solo on 02 FEB 2012

66. Omanawanui Track

keywords:

Non-runnable (mostly), technical, rocks, roots, knee and waist high vegetation, dirt/grass/rock surface, single-track, well-marked, steep slope, exposed with some covered sections, view (360 degree views of the west coastline).

comments:

As far as views are concerned, this track is the highlight of the Waitakere Ranges. However as a running track it is not ideal. The terrain is very steep and technical with some areas overwhelmed with prickly vegetation. It is a good tramping track and ideal for building hill strength, but dont expect to be able to run the majority of the length.

67. Signal House Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, grass, wide-track, well-marked, easy slope, exposed, view (360 degree views of the west coastline).

comments:

A short diversion to the tip of the headland for stunning views.

82. Destruction Gully

keywords:

Runnable, technical, dirt surface, slippery, single-track, well-marked, steep to medium slope, bush-covered, view (Awhitu Peninsula and Manukau Heads).

comments:

Short, sharp and slippery 200 m descent/ascent from Whatipu Rd to sea level providing access to fishing rocks at Makaka Bay. Bit too steep and slippery to run up.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

111. Kura Track

keywords:

Runnable, technical, roots, river crossing, dirt surface, mud, slippery (when wet), single-track, well-marked, medium to steep slope, bush-covered, view (Whatipu River).

comments:

From Whatipu Rd there is a short section of Puriri Ridge Track then its a rapid descent along a very technical Kura Track to cross then meander alongside Whatipu River. Top section because its a long and mostly runnable track of a good length.

                                                                                                                        



Topo Map (click to enlarge)



Elevation Profile (click to enlarge)

View 18 Omanawanui, Signal House, Destruction Gully and Kura Tracks in a larger map

Destruction Gully Track

Destruction Gully Track

Kura Track

Kura Track

Signal House Track (in distance)

Omanawanui Track

Omanawanui Track

View of Paratutae Island and Ninepin Rock from Omanawanui Track

View of Awhitu Peninsula from Omanawanui Track

21 - Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track (Anawhata)

  Anawhata Beach Track  

  Hettig Track  

Anawhata Beach

                                                                                                                        

Loop:	21 - Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track
Region:	Anawhata
Access Point:	Anawhata Road
Coordinates:	-36.92389 174.45852 (Anawhata Beach Track)
	-36.92558 174.49526 (Hettig Track)
Track #	Track Name	Distance (km)
115	Anawhata Beach Track	0.7
115	return Anawhata Beach Track	0.7
120	Hettig Track	0.5
120	return Hettig Track	0.5
	Map Distance Measured Distance	2.4 2.1

                                                                                                                        
Completed: Solo on 27 JAN 2012

120. Hettig Track

keywords:

Runnable (only just), technical, roots, dirt/mud/clay surface, slippery, hands required, single-track, overgrown but well-marked, steep slope, stairs (few), bush covered, view (Marawhara Stream)

comments:

Hettig Track is a short, steep and slippery, and only just runnable, descent to Marawhara Stream and would be pointless as a standalone run.

                                                                                                                        

 Top Section

115. Anawhata Beach Track

keywords:

Runnable, non-technical, gravel/dirt surface, medium width, well-marked, steep slope, exposed and bush covered, view (Anawhata Beach).

comments:

Quite a challenging run up because of the steep slope, but the amazing views are worth the return effort. Short and sharp run, of no use stand alone but rather to provide access to Anawhata Beach.

                                                                                                                        

Topo Map (click to enlarge)

Elevation Profile - Anawhata Beach Track

Elevation Profile - Hettig Track

View 21 Anawhata Beach Track and Hettig Track in a larger map

Anawhata Beach Track

Hettig Track

Line 1 Col 1

Line 1 Col 2

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

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

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.

                                                                                                                        

Top Section

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