Last Updated: 24th Mar 2026
Upper Kauri Track, Smyth Track, Kuataika Track, White Track
Last Updated: 24th Mar 2026
Open
Grunt Factor: 53 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
27.8km
2588m
2588m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel / Boardwalk
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +24.20%
Average Downhill Gradient: -24.20%
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5:30
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:30
Fast
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.
Parking is available at the start of the trail, but it can get very busy in the weekends.
29 km
39 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
There is no water available on the route.
This is a well formed, all year round trail.
Swanson Station Cafe
760 Swanson Road, Swanson, Auckland 0612
Great coffee
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Waitak's Traverse
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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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