Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Kuataika Half Marathon
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
20.0km
714m
753m
380m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
20.0km
714m
753m
380m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.1%
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3:30
Slow
2:45
Moderate
2:00
Fast
Start on Anawhata Road at the Cutty Grass Track end. Run down Anawhata Rd a few kms to the Kuataika Track entrance. Jump the fence and head across farmland to the Kuataika Track and make your way along this track down, up, down up across a couple of valleys on a wide track that's got good climbs and a great view from the trig (a short detour on the last section of climb on Kuataika). You'll reach a junction with Wainamu Bush Tk, Houghtons Tk and Smyth Ridge Track (you take the Smyth Ridge Track) basically running on and then upwards towards Long Road and Ridge Road track.
At the end of Smythe Ridge Tk you turn right onto Long Road/Ridge Road and follow this along many undulations past a junction with Upper Kauri Tk and Simla and basically follow the Ridge Road track all the way to its end (there is a short detour off to the right to a cool University Tramping Club hut full of old road signs and a couple of pianos (worth a look, unlocked hut).
At the end of Ridge Road Tk you are at a T junction - turn right and head down this track back towards your car (again a short while down this track there is a discreet entrance on your right to a short track and another hut where Hunt for the Wilderpeople was filmed - it's a locked hut). Run past your car and across the road you'll see a track to a lookout - take it and add a short climb and another couple of km to get your half and a great view over Piha.
Couple of huts
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.
No transport but parking is free and always available (that's rare in Auckland aye!)
37 km
53 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
There's a few creeks on the way down Kuataika, none really thereafter - but take your own it's only a half marathon you won't be out all day (hopefully)
None really, it can get slippery on Kuataika after rain and the streams can rise - take some care if it's pouring or been pouring
Use the trigene wash stations to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback please
Elevation Cafe
Top of Piha Rd and Scenic Dr
Great views
iTi
Titirangi
Cold beers, nice raneg of wines, good small plates and tasty food
Hardware Cafe
Good coffee open super early for an on the way out wake me up
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Kuataika Half Marathon
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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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