Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Mangere Mountain Crater loop

Auckland, Auckland

Submitted by Richard Lake

Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Closed More info

All tracks through the crater are now closed so it's no longer possible to do the final loop of this route. The junction onto the lower path near the start of the track is now covered by new planting (can't go through), and the trail to the trig also has a sign saying don't go, as they are trying to rehabilitate the area after damage from overuse.

Please notify us if this has changed.

Grunt Factor: 6 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

5.0km

Length of run

175m

Total Ascent

175m

Total Descent

99m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Volcanic

Run Makeup

94%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.9%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

0:50

Slow

0:40

Moderate

0:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

There are numerous trails, this run was 5k but it'd be easy to increase that without repeating the same tracks.

The tracks are quite visible but many of the lower tracks around the cone are livestock tracks and are thin with high grass sides, take care not to trip over hidden rocks hidden in the grass. The main tracks aren't too steep but on the Auckland City side of the cone there are some short tracks to the summit that are steep, rooty and are covered with loose scoria. Some of the tracks around the top of the crater rim are also quite rocky. I wore road shoes but was very careful on some of the steep downhill. You could make a substantially longer run by adding in the Watercare Coastal Walkway that is nearby.

This trail includes the peak Te Pane-o-Mataaho/Mangere Mountain.

Mangere Mountain is one the largest volcanic cones in the Auckland Volcanic Field, from the top there are stunning views over Auckland and across Manukau Harbour to the Manukau Heads. There are also historic earthworks from a large pa that are fairly easy to identify though covered with grass.

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:

There is a bus stop just outside the domain entrance and plenty of parking on Coronation Road.

Distance from Auckland:

21 km

Driving time from Auckland:

20 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Cellphone

Availability of Water:

No water in the domain, nearest known is near the public toilets on the old bridge

Seasonality Issues:

Slippery on the steep slopes after rain.

Hazards:

Steep slopes

Trail Legend

Seawon Yoon

has completed Mangere Mountain Crater loop 6 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Kirsten Fryer

Great terrain to practice watching where you step. It is impossible to follow much of this trail as it was submitted, however. We already know about the crater being wāhi tapu, but the lower level track at the start is also closed as there is new tree planting across where the route was. There is also a sign advising not to go up to the trig (which I'm sure has been moved since I was last there) as the land has been damaged from overuse and is being restored. I still saw lots of people at the trig unfortunately, and even one person climbing the steep slope out of the crater up to the trig!! 😥.

Kirsten Fryer

May 18