Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Te Rau-o-te-Huia Summit
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 23 ?
11.5km
750m
750m
389m
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 20 ?
Gnarl Factor: 23 ?
11.5km
750m
750m
389m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.3%
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3:00
Slow
1:45
Moderate
1:15
Fast
Trail starts at the top of the parking lot. Wash station at trailhead & toilet facilities nearby. An optional side-loop to the left at the beginning of the trail.
1.5km in is a waterfall with a waterhole (great for swimming on the way back!). The track continues to up the mountain with stairs, switchbacks, small stream crossings, gravel track & boardwalk sections.
The main climb happens 1.5km-3km, after which the track flattens out through the bush before a final climb to the Te-Rau-o-te-Huia summit. 360 views of the Waitakeres, across to Manukau Heads and the ocean!
Return via the same route.
This trail includes the peak Te Rau-o-te-Huia/Mount Donald McLean.
Waterfall on the way up, lookout at the top. Trail parking is near the Huia Settlers Museum if of interest.
There is parking on the west side of the road at the trail head or across the street at a beach access parking lot.
1 km
1 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone
Streams for the first half, less towards the top.
Likely windy at the very top but all the rest great.
Huia Beach Store & Cafe
On the main road though Huia, keep an eye out & it's ~ the only thing there. If googler, 1194 Huia Road, Cornwallis, Waitakere City, Auckland
Delicious hot chips, food looked good & nice spot with an outdoor eating area. Nomz, nomz.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Make sure you tag the trig before turning around!
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A very well groomed track, gravel all the way except where sections of board walk protect the forest from kauri die back. Lots of stairs provide a good workout for the legs and you are rewarded with stunning views at the top. I only gave it 4 stars as it lacked a bit of playfulness that you might get on a dirt track especially coming back down.
March 21, 2022
RC
Stairs...be prepared for lots and lots of stairs (over 1000!) An awesome track if you want a lot of elevation in not very much distance. Views across the harbour from Mt Donald McClean are definitely worth the effort though.
March 14, 2021
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