Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Waikowhai Stairs, Bush & Beach
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 35 ?
11.0km
570m
570m
90m
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Last Updated: 13th May 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 35 ?
11.0km
570m
570m
90m
Urban
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Beach
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +3.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -3.6%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
NOTE: the eastern end of this route uses the beach which is only accessible a couple of hours either side of high tide.
Start from Strathnaver and head down the track, following it till it comes out onto Fairsea Pl. Turn left up Himalaya Cres. then right down Halsey Drive. Head along till you come to Manukau Domain, run across the grass to the sculpture and down the track. This goes through some nice bush till you come out on Syvlania Crescent - run across the road and down the trail towards Wattle Bay.
Follow the track until the junction which lets you choose to go to the beach and take the low tide route, but for this journey we will keep going straight towards Cape Horn Rd. Follow the track till the lookout junction and go up and catch your breath while looking back at the Manukau Harbour. Head back down and take a right up to Cape Horn Rd.
Turn right and run down the road 500 metres till the walkway down to Waikowhai Bay. Follow the trails through Waikowhai Bay taking the track through Captain's Bush towards Wesley Bay. If it is high tide you will have to climb over some rocks then run along the beach for 200 metres before hitting the Aldersgate Reserve Track. This goes to Wesley Bay glade which is where you turn around and head back the same way.
Waikowhai Park is the last stand of native forest in Auckland City. Lots of Tui, Kereru, Piwakawakawa. Runs past the old changing rooms at Waikowhai Beach. A really nice sculpture in Manukau Domain that used to be at the Auckland Art Gallery. Some time spent running on the beach. There are a LOT of stairs so get ready for a calf workout!
This mostly follows the Waikowhai Walkway (link below). You can go all the way to Mangere Bridge off Road if you keep on going
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.
Plenty of parking on Strathnaver Crescent. Easy bus from town on the 267
15 km
24 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Most of the time if you take a wrong turn you won't go too far before reaching the end of the trail. Make sure you take a right turn down Cape Horn Road. Follow the signs through Waikowhai Park towards Wesley Bay/ Captains Bush - although all of these trails are quite fun so getting lost isn't a biggy!
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Toilets in Waikowhai Park where you can drink from the tap.
Can get slippery in winter and has mud.
Some traffic on Cape Horn Rd. Some dog walkers.
Corner Bakery
180a Hillsborough Rd
Multiple award winning pies!
Bluebells Cakery
161A Hillsborough Rd
Good for coffee - amazing cakes
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What a stunning trail in Auckland. So glad I gave this a go but totally underestimated the stairs, stairs and more stairs! Also using the map on my Garmin I missed a couple of turns on downhills and ended up having to hike up and join the course again. I did get to see a couple of empty beaches and the views are stunning!
December 18, 2021
RC
A brilliant urban trail this one! If you love stairs, then this is perfect training! Lots of ups and downs, but rewarding views out over the Manukau harbour.
March 28, 2021
Just about the best bit of Auckland urban trail that you can enjoy from your doorstep (or car)! Lots of climbing and steps so be sure you are in the right frame of mind for that, and you will have a great outing out. Amazing views from all around the Manukau.I included this route in an extended run recently where I parked at Glen Eden station, caught the train to Onehunga via Newmarket, then ran from Onehunga Bay through this trail, on to Mt Atkinson in Titirangi, and then back to Glen Eden station. A little bit of road running involved but it makes for a great Sunday morning adventure without requiring a lot of travel time.
January 30, 2020
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.
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