Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Wild Turkey & Omanawanui

Huia, Auckland

Submitted by Mark Colthart

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Closed More info

CLOSED DUE TO KAURI DIEBACK. You can sign up to e-updates re the track situation in both the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges here.

Please notify us if this has changed.

Grunt Factor: 38 ?

Gnarl Factor: 68 ?

21.0km

1000m

1000m

413m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Coastal

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

15%
20%
65%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

This run takes you on a loop starting from Whatipu and following the Hillary Trail along the Gibbons and Muir tracks down into the historic Pararaha Valley. Turn left at the Pararaha Shelter and head down the valley towards the coast. The loop then takes you on a steep climb up Buck Taylor Track (a right hand turn), then right down the Odlins Timber Track to cross the Pararaha stream near its headwater, followed by a long steady climb of about 5km up to Karamataura Forks.

From there you head back down towards Whatipu taking in Puriri Ridge, and great views down the valley to Whatipu, and then a left turn (where the original Wild Turkey loop heads down Kura) towards Omanawanui. You follow the Omanawanui Track along the coastal cliff tops back down a steep decent into the Whatipu Carpark.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you use all of the Council provided Kauri Dieback shoe wash stations you come across on the trail. Scrub then spray.
Please clean your shoes before running and after you are finished. We are all responsible for helping minimize the spread of this nasty disease.

Parahaha Valley and Omanawanui Track are both stunning.

Ample carparking at Whatipu

9 km

20 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Well signposted, just keep an eye on the map if you're new to the area.

Very patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.

There is water at the start and finish at Whatipu. Taking water from the UPPER crossing of the Pararaha is generally safe too.

Runnable all year round. Omanawanui is very exposed and can be very hot in mid-summer.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Huia Store
Huia
Great coffee, pies and icecreams.

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Trail Reviews

Excellent training run. Straight into the good stuff with a climb up to some great views. The run down to Pararaha Valley is great and there is a jaw dropping moment when you come out into the valley. Lots of good climbing, quite a bit of downhill action and some nice muddy sections in September.

Jon Turner

September 17, 2017

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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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