Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Must Love Sand and Stairs.

Auckland, Auckland

Submitted by Mark Craig

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 42 ?

Gnarl Factor: 40 ?

29.0km

Length of run

990m

Total Ascent

1230m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

70%

30%

Easy Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

5:30

Slow

4:30

Moderate

3:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Mercer Bay loop track to Comans track - exit Watchmans Rd, run past Karekare Beach car park and onto Pohutakawa glade emerging onto Karekare beach, stay close to cliffs until you see track markers and follw these to Tunnel point camp (good spot for a rest). Leave tunnel point and head right at the fork straight out to the beach following the water line all the way Whatipu heading inland to start the well signposted Omanawanui track and following all the sign posts to Karamatura track in Huia (with a compulsory out and back to bag Mt Donald McLean of course!)

This trail includes the peak Te Rau-o-te-Huia/Mount Donald McLean.

Old Tramway, waterfalls, lots of birds

Transport and parking:

Lots of parking, can get busy though.

Distance from Auckland:

38 km

Driving time from Auckland:

49 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Make sure you go over the dunes staying inland at Karekare to find the Hillary Trail markers that will take you to Tunnel Point.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Water at Karekare, Tunnel Point and Whatipu.

Seasonality Issues:

Can be very hot, very cold, extreme wind

Hazards:

Wind, waves

Huia Store

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in either direction but doing east to west would involved more ascent than descent!

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Trail Reviews

Lotte Parson

Loved this!
About 2000 stairs but stunning views.
High tide & a very strong headwind from Karekare to Whatipu so ran through the dunes instead which made it more bearable. Really beautiful & easy to follow.

Lotte Parson

December 18, 2021

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Overlapping Trails

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.