Ernie's Pukupuka Combined Loop, Auckland, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Ernie's Pukupuka Combined Loop

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Last Updated: 14th Sep 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 34 ?

Gnarl Factor: 38 ?

23.5km

Length of run

1130m

Total Ascent

1130m

Total Descent

510m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Ernie's Pukupuka Combined Loop, Auckland

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%

15%

30%

Gravel / Boardwalk

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.50%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.50%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5.15:00

Slow

4.00:00

Moderate

3.00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Starting From Upper Mangatawhiri campsite, head along the gravel road past the toilet block. Follow this road for about 3km running alongside the dam. Ernie's Track is on the left. It is technical in a lot of places, with a couple of stream crossings and with a steep climb up to 500m.

Here you will get great views of the multiple Hunua Dams. The trail then opens up slightly as you head down towards Lilburne Road. You pop out of the first bush section at Piggots campsite where there is a hut with a toilet and water tap. Head up the hill and continue along the road for about 2km until you join the Pukupuka Track on your right.

You are back into more technical track and climbing. As you run out of the bush and are back on the gravel road, turn right. There is a long downhill (12% gradient) to open up and get out some lactic build-up before an easy 5km along a gravel road finishing off where you started.

This trail includes the peak Pukapuka.

The track takes in great views of multiple dams along the way.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Parking is readily available at the campground, access is along Gravel Road.

Distance from Auckland:

0 km

Driving time from Auckland:

0 minutes

Dog friendly:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Water is available in two creek crossings in the first half and a tap is available at a hut halfway through the loop.

Seasonality Issues:

Rain can bog down some of the more technical sections, so expect slow going in winter. Great cover most the way In the summer heat.

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

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Trail Legend

Keri McDonald

has completed Ernie's Pukupuka Combined Loop twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Kevin Allen

A great loop. The trails were pretty dry, the Ernie's Loop was a little muddier, but nothing too bad. There were a few trees down on the Pukapuka track, but easy enough to get around/under. A few technical in parts. I ran it anticlockwise and my garmin had this at 24.1km and 1,235m or vert. Slightly more than mentioned here. Definitely worth giving this trail a go.

Kevin Allen

March 1, 2026

Jackson White

Brilliant loop, trails were pretty soggy and rooty but really fun. Didn't help it was the weekend after Xterra. Poles are very helpful.

Jackson White

June 18, 2024

Joe Uncool

Great run, some technical parts! Great views at times! GPX has a portion unit that is off track, so your run may not record.

Joe Uncool

May 15, 2022

Angela Hewlett

Another great run in the Hunua's. Pukapuka track slight more vegetated than Ernie's track so power hiked a bit more of this section. Not much mud to contend with yet either.

Angela Hewlett

April 28, 2022

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Overlapping Trails

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.