Within an hour’s drive of the nation’s largest city there is an amazing selection of great trail runs. The main areas to head to include those listed below, but for a feast of other possibilities check out the Parks website administered by Auckland Council. Contained within these pages are a phenomenal array of trail running possibilities.
Hunua Ranges: lying to the south-east of the ‘big smoke’ the Hunua Ranges frame the region’s southeastern skyline and make up Auckland’s largest forested landscape. More than 14,000 hectares of native forest filters about 2300mm of rain annually into four dams, which supply most of Auckland’s water.
Check out the the excellent Auckland Council website for a bounty of ideas.
Waitakere Ranges: lying to the west of Auckland, the Waitakere Regional Park includes more than 16,000ha of native rainforest and coastline. Its 250km of trails provide access to beaches, breathtaking vistas, spectacular rocky outcrops, streams, waterfalls and farms overlooking the wild west coast. Trail running heaven!
Check out the informative Auckland Council website and start planning your own dirty-ankled extravaganza.
Or read the article that Mal wrote for Triathlon & Multisport Magazine – Running Wild in the Waitakeres.
The Cascade Kauri Circuit (CKC)
The Islands: The Hauraki Gulf contains several islands big enough for a great trail running adventure. The most accessible of these is on Rangitoto Island – see our trail guide to the classic Rangitoto Romp.
Rodney District: A favourite with locals is the Okura Walkway – a great bush & beach experience close to the city.
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