Last Updated: 11th Apr 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Maungakiekie Loop with a Cherry on Top

Auckland, Auckland

Submitted by Rob Bathgate

Last Updated: 11th Apr 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 7 ?

Gnarl Factor: 12 ?

7.0km

180m

180m

126m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Open farmlands

Volcanic

Run Makeup

10 %
90%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:40

Fast

This takes the straightforward loop right around the perimeter, from the Maungakiekie Loop and adds a cherry on the top - the summit of Mount Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill.

The route follows reasonably well-formed trails and walking paths most of the way. Where there isn't a trail, run on the grass along the perimeter. 

This trail includes the peak Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill.

Parking is free but time limited. I've never had an issue parking here and I'm frequently out for multiple hour runs, that's not to say that they don't keep tabs on the time you're there. I've never had an issue with safety when parking here but then I don't leave anything on display that might catch someones attention. Take sensible precautions as you would when parking anywhere as break ins have occurred in the past.

9 km

18 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Generally good.

Windproof jacket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Firstly it gets pretty hot out on the open paddocks so highly advisable to carry a soft flask.
There are two fountains within easy reach of the loop.
1. On Pohutukawa Drive slightly to the right of the track in this loop.
2. On Bollard Drive again slightly to the right of the track in this loop.

Track over the paddocks can be a bit boggy in the winter particularly if cattle have been in the paddock.
Summer the track is pretty much bone dry and dusty hence carrying own water.

If cattle have been in the paddock and the ground has been wet then there is likely to be extremely uneven ground with lots of pugs for the unwary runner to twist an ankle in.
Stay away from the cattle in spring and summer as they have calves with them and can get antsy if annoyed. I've never had an issue but then I go around them where ever possible and give them respect.
Stay away from paddocks that have bulls in them. Occasionally the bulls will be with the cows though this is rare.
Uneven ground.
Take care in climbing over stiles as some of the older ones are a bit more rickety.

Trail Legend

Jon Culley

Jon Culley

has completed Maungakiekie Loop with a Cherry on Top 40 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great little workout route...perfect cross country training...undulating single track or grass route around the perimeter of the park. Then a steep pinch up to the peak. Unfortunately that up/down is on road but makes for a fast descent. The animals were disconcerting at first but then I realized they were not at all interested in me..

David Hosking

December 11

5 stars because even though it was winter weather, with a head wind, there were spring lambs and calves to make up for no views from the summit. Sooo cute!! A few paddocks require more attention to feet to negotiate some cow-made divots.

Kirsten Fryer

August 19, 2023

This is a modification of the Maungakiekie Loop to include a run up to the summit and experience the views over Auckland. Best trail in central Auckland as you don’t realise that you’re in a city. The farm animals are super friendly and the views stunning:!you also get to run on all sorts of different surfaces and scale lots of stiles!

Jon Culley

June 14, 2023

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