Last Updated: 4th Mar 2026
PukaPuka Track, Ernies Track, Wairoa Loop Track, Challenge Downhill Track and more
Last Updated: 4th Mar 2026
Open
Grunt Factor: 60 ?
Gnarl Factor: 33 ?
42.2km
1890m
1890m
Event
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.20%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.20%
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10:00
Slow
7:30
Moderate
5:00
Fast
Experience the Hunua Hillbilly, a beautifully brutal trail journey through the Hunua Ranges’ stunning native bush. If you're not tackling the original 60km Ultramarathon (a course which demands some serious respect!), there's also the Trail Marathon and 22km course options which still deliver a fair share of challenge of their own, plus plenty of single trail bliss.
Saturday 21st March 2026
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An unapologetically tough ultramarathon.
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From the start, climb towards Pukapuka Track. When you pop out the other end of Pukapuka, turn right and visit the infamous Piggets Hut - from here you carry on around renowned Ernies Track, and make your way back down to and around the lake, with stunning river crossings and board walk sections.
That is the end of the really gnarly stuff underfoot, how ever the hills don’t stop there. You will then head up to and across the undulating challenge MTB track with stunning views of the ranges, before completing the final 10km or so on the very well maintained tracks of the Wairoa and Suspension bridge loop
The bulk of the run is grunty single track under the cover of stunning native bush. There is also a combination of gravel roads, MTB trail, boardwalks, swing bridges and even the odd Watercare dam mixed in for good measure. When you aren’t under the very welcome cover of the bush, you will enjoy some of the most stunning 360 views in Auckland.
Trail list: ARA Drive, Rise’n’shine, Kauri, Backyard Bogie, Rocky’s Roots, Manning Road, Graeme Hill Road, Mangitangi Hill Road, PukaPuka Track, Lilburne Road, Ernies Track, Waterline Road, Wairoa Hill Road, Challenge Track, Wairoa Loop Track (southern section) Suspension Bridge Loop, Otua Road, Wairoa Loop Track (northern section), Repeater Road, Moumoukai Road, Challenge Downhill Track, Moumoukai Road.
This course has been officially measured and counts for the 100 Marathon Club.
This trail includes the peak Pukapuka.
Amazing native bush, great bird life including the Kōkako Management area. Multiple dams/lakes. A small river crossing.
Public loos available at the start/finish and some botted around the course at huts/shetlers.
Good parking at the start/finish. No public transport.
15 km
22 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Drinking water at the start/finish. None on route that doesn't need treating
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hunua Hillbilly Marathon
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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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