Waitak's Traverse, Auckland, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

A fantastic trail to get some easy miles and vert

Upper Kauri Track, Smyth Track, Kuataika Track, White Track

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Last Updated: 11th Sep 2026

Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 53 ?

Gnarl Factor: 32 ?

27.8km

Length of run

2588m

Total Ascent

2588m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

90%

Gravel / Boardwalk

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +24.20%

Average Downhill Gradient: -24.20%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:30

Slow

4:30

Moderate

3:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

This is an easy trail to follow. The track is well formed, so very easy underfoot. You're climbing up and over the Waitakere Ranges, so it's a great run to get some easy miles and vert.

Starting at the car park at the very end of Falls Road, wind your way down the hill, through the Kauri Dieback station and over the bridge. After a short distance you'll come to a trail intersection - just look for the carved Māori figure (pou).

Head up the trail to your right - Upper Kauri Track. Keep following the trail up past Long Road Track (3km), Wainamu Junction (6km) and Kuataika Trig (7km). Follow the Kuataika Track all the way to stockyards and Anawhata Road.

Head down Anawhata Road for 500m until you pickup White Track on your left. Follow White Track down to Piha Road. Turn around and return home!

This trail includes the peak Kuataika.

There are public toilets at the start of the trail.

Transport and parking:

Parking is available at the start of the trail, but it can get very busy in the weekends.

Distance from Auckland:

29 km

Driving time from Auckland:

39 minutes

Dog friendly:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

There is no water available on the route.

Seasonality Issues:

This is a well formed, all year round trail.

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

Swanson Station Cafe
760 Swanson Road, Swanson, Auckland 0612
Great coffee

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Trail Legend

Mark Craig

has completed Waitak's Traverse twice in the last year.

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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.