Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Maungakiekie Loop with a Cherry on Top
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 12 ?
7.0km
180m
180m
126m
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 12 ?
7.0km
180m
180m
126m
Urban
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Open farmlands
Volcanic
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.9%
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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.
Located close to the start (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ByYftY7iybGuuUVW8) and on route close to the Manukau Road entrance (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Bd8o8PCjnn2hB6Y8).
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.
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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..
December 11, 2023
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.
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!
June 14, 2023
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