Last Updated: 29th Dec 2024
The James Vowles Inspiration Circuit
Last Updated: 29th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 42 ?
7.6km
300m
300m
80m
Last Updated: 29th Dec 2024
Last Updated: 29th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 42 ?
7.6km
300m
300m
80m
Urban
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.1%
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1:40
Slow
1:10
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This neat set of bush trails can be linked to form a grunty little circuit and is in places a guite technical rooty, rocky trail. It's a great idea to take your phone with the circuit logged on it as there are many interconnecting trails throughout this reserve area .
Starting from the small Kauri Point carpark head south down the trail then turn right heading west in an anticlockwise loop through native bush up and down stairs and at times very rough terrain till the track drops down to pretty Kendall Bay.
After Kendall Bay follow the trail east up more steps and take the small detour out to Kauri Point with its wonderful views of the Harbour and towers of downtown Auckland.
Retrace your steps back to carry on east to the Chelsea sugar factory. From the factory you can extend the run into the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park or retrace your steps back to the Colonial road Bridge cross to the north side of the bridge where a fabulous little trail takes you up Duck Creek to a bridge that crosses over to the south side of the creek. From here you can loop back Colonial Road. Turn west back onto the Kauri Point track network and back to the carpark.
The trails are in places very narrow and rough but this is a good technical workout in the city. This Circuit is dedicated in loving Memory of James Vowles who loved this place and he hopes you enjoy it too. Take Pleasure - Spend Time - Leave Only Footprints.
Great views of the Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland CBD through native bush past nice beaches.
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.
There is limited parking at Kauri Point Carpark for about 10 cars or there is plenty of parking at the Chelsea Sugar Factory.
11 km
17 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Take a map or Google but its hard to get lost!
Generally good.
Windproof jacket, Cellphone, Map
Take water with you
Year round great running
Lots of roots and uneven ground keep an eye on your foot placement
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RG
Had such a blast running this trail this morning. The route is interesting with a lot of winding single track that can get a bit gnarly at times. You really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere for 90% of this route. Would 100% recommend this to anyone based in AKL.
November 7, 2022
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