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.

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