Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Cascade Shorty
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 37 ?
7.4km
305m
305m
320m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 37 ?
7.4km
305m
305m
320m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Starting from the car park drop down the hill on a gravel path, cross the creek and turn left on Auckland City Walk. After around 1 km turn right on Anderson Track which before long crosses a shallow stream (usually possible to keep feet dry with some nimble rock hopping.) On the far side of this stream the trail starts to climb steeply, with several long flights of steps to negotiate.
Towards the top of the climb you enter a beautiful grove of young kauri trees and at about 2.5km reach a junction where you turn right, following the signpost to 'Waitakere Tramline Walk'. A short, gnarly downhill (watch out for slippery boulders) spits you out on the Tramline Walk. Turn right and follow one of the few genuinely flat bits of Waitakere trail, along the tramlines and through a short tunnel (headlight not necessary but maybe advisable for the more nervous!)
The tramline ends a short way further on and you leave it to your left and climb a series of concrete steps to reach the Watercare road. Turn right across the dam and at the far end turn left and almost immediately right to stay on Fenceline Track. This will take you back to the Auckland City Walk, where you started. When you join Auckland City Walk, turn left and follow the track all the way back to the carpark, back over the little bridge and the patch of grass you passed in the beginning.
This short run has a number of points of interest, including running along the Waitakere Tramline, the waterfall you see along the tramline (if it's been raining, it can be really pretty), and the forest of young kauri trees at the top of Andersons Track.
No public transport to the start but plenty of parking. The car park isn't huge but it's usually quiet if you arrive early in the morning. It gets busier in the middle of the day during summer but there's always a spot somewhere.
28 km
35 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The route is well marked but it's important to keep paying attention as there are a number of different tracks in the area. Keep following the signs for the tracks listed in the detailed description and you will not get lost.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There is a water fountain at the start point in the carpark and you will cross a stream early in the run. Always a good idea taking some water with you (bottle or hydration pack) in case you take a wrong turn and run longer than intended.
There are a few slippery boulders on the track after Andersons (before you reach the tramline). Mind your step, especially if it's been raining.
Swanson Station Cafe
760 Swanson Rd, Auckland 0612
Delicious food on your way back into Auckland. Service is fast and the coffee is tasty. There's plenty of parking nearby so you won't need to put your legs through any extra effort to get to your food.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Cascade Shorty
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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