Inner City Bush TrailsBeginner
Submitted by Dan Boulton
Beginner
1:45 (Slow)
1:15 (Moderate)
0:45 (Fast)
-11.6%
+12.4%
Due to the heavy rainfall in January 2023 the track is destroyed in places, there are big slips, some of which are passable but some are completely impassable.
Most of the Waikowhai trail is closed.
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Description
Easy bush run right in the city. The Waikowhai Native bush is the largest stand of native bush in Auckland City. Starting at the top of Goodall St, run down the hill (via the cemetery if you wish) for 200m and turn right into a trail that takes you into Hillsborough Reserve. This is an up and down. Follow the signs to Hoskins Ave, once on Hoskins Ave turn right 100m into the bush trail that takes you down to Grannys Bay (worth checking out). After checking out Grannys Bay come back up the trail and continue along the face of the hill until you come up onto Rebecca's Rise. Drop down the rise and then up onto Aldersgate Rd. Turn right and follow Aldersgate Rd for about 300m before dropping back into a bush trail and into Aldersgate Reserve. Another beach here to check out. Continue along the bush trail for about 1.3km and up into Waikowhai Bush Park. Head across the playground and into the off leash dog area, continuing to follow the Waikowhai Bush Trail towards Cape Horn Rd. There are a number of steep flights of steps up to Cape Horn Rd. Once on Cape Horn Rd, follow this for 150m and then drop back into a bush trial that takes you down into Wattle Bay, another beautiful beach. From here you can turn around and head back, or if you are felling energised continue following the bush trails all the way to Titirangi Golf Course. There are lots of options on the way back, lots more beaches to check out, or if you are in a hurry take the low tide route back saving you legs on the hills.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Lot of history in Hillsborough Cemetery. Great views over the Manukau Harbour. Great place to stop for a run on way back from the airport.
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 80%
Sealed Road: 20%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each

Waikowhai Stairs, Bush & Beach
Length: 11.00km
Photos:
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Access
Start at the top of Goodall St, just off Hillsborough Rd. Three minutes from the motorway off ramp.
Lots of parking on Goodall St.
10 km
22 minutes
Yes
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Keep the water to your left and you will be hard to go wrong. Best to avoid 2hrs before and after high tide.
Perfect throughout.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Toilets and water at Waikowhai Park.
Avoid high tide, still doable but there won't be much beach to run along at Waikowhai Beach.
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