Partial Lunacy Mission

The route loops the lower Tamaki Estuary north of Panmure Lagoon and takes in the Whakaraanga Creek inlet and Tahuna Torea (Pt England Spit) coastal reserve and wetlands. It eventually passes through the crater of Whakahumu (Glover Park) and visits the lookout at Achilles Point that celebrates the Battle of the River Platte.

The start point can be reached by public transport (either bus or ferry) and has plentiful public parking. Note though that the route is a point-to-point, so transport arrangements for both start and finish need to be considered.

21 km

24 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

When south of Half Moon Bay you come off Eclipse Drive onto William Bryan Drive, there is a right-of-way pathway directly in front of you. Do NOT take this path, while it appears that at some time it may have passed directly through the neighbourhood it comes to a wall part way down. Instead follow William Bryan Drive to the right and loop around on the roads.

Entering Whakaaranga Creek Reserve it is easy to be disorientated and unsure of the route - as you proceed into the park take the first trail to the right, and then take the following right also.

Please note the points above regarding the AMETI bus-way works and navigation around the vicinity of Panmure Bridge.

Pay close attention to the following, if you are going to get lost on this route this is likely to be where it will happen. Exiting Point England reserve across a bridge over a broad creek, be sure to take the path to the right (following it straight ahead would spit you out on Kotae Road). Then following that track towards Tahuna Torea there is an area of unformed track across grass between the rear of houses on Silverton Ave, and the estuary. At the end of this section the mapped route dives down to the right and onto a bush track, a connection that is very easy to miss. If you do miss it though, the track will eventually loop you around in the same direction if you keep towards the coast - but the mapped path is the most direct.

Perfect throughout.

Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map

There are public drinking fountains along the route at points, notably at Pakuranga Sailing Club, Point England Reserve, and at both St Heliers and Kohimarama beaches on Tamaki Drive.

Small parts of the track between Point England Reserve and Tahuna Torea may get boggy or muddy in wet winter conditions. Otherwise the route is almost entirely sealed and easy in any conditions.

Caution is required around the AMETI works while these continue.

Mission Bay Cafe
85 Tamaki Drive, MIssion Bay
http://missionbay.cafe/
A great spot for a coffee or a cafe meal, and with outdoor seating for the smelly runner!

Movenpick
75 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
http://www.movenpick.co.nz/Stores/Mission+Bay.html
Great for a refreshing icecream or shake after that long run.

Mamma Mia Pizza
51 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
http://www.mammamia.co.nz/
The best pizza in Auckland, from one of Auckland's oldest and genuine family-run Italian restaurants. Grab a pie to take out, and sit on the grass in Selwyn Reserve to enjoy!