Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Hunua Magic
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
23.6km
1500m
1500m
700m
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Last Updated: 14th Jul 2024
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
23.6km
1500m
1500m
700m
Front country - easily accessible
Combo
Very hilly
Native bush
Gravel Road
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.5%
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Not suitable
Slow
6:00
Moderate
3:30
Fast
Run from carpark up gravel rd for just over 4.5km, Take Rata Ridge Track on your right.
Follow up the hill over technical track, lots of tree roots, for about 1.5 km where it starts to descend again.
At 8 km mark, cross a stream and up a steep climb for about 2 km, where you can continue to follow the ridge up through some great single track, be aware some big fallen trees over the track.
11.5 km mark is a turn off, this is the way back down the Upper Mangatawhiri Track, but if you want to continue the 600m to the top, its well worth the view!
Note there is another turn off along here; Don't go Right down the Mangatangi Ridge track, continue Left to top Trig.
Return same way to Upper Mangatawhiri Track (600m down from top) and follow magic undulating single track for 4.5km where it will meet Ernies Track, turn left here and follow back down the Piggots Camp, Water is available here.
Return To carpark via remaining 5km of grassy gravel road.
Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir and Dam face. Native Bush, Native birds, 360 Views from Hunua Highest Point.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking and Public Toilets
13 km
19 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Maybe 5 or 6 places with Trees fallen on the trail, mainly stick to the ridge and you don't need to go too far from the trail, like a few meters either side.
Very patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There is a hut 20m past the top trig point with Tank water and shelter
All sheltered bush, if you are used to muddy Hunua trails this may be more pleasantly dry.
A few stream crossings may get wet feet after rain.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Hunua Magic
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KA
Well, this is what I like call "such fun"! Seriously though, I knew this was going to be gnarly and grunty. The first half of this "run" is the hardest part. The first 5km are a nice hilly warm-up and then the fun starts. From kilometre 5 to about 10, there is not much running, just climbing with a bit of scrambling thrown in, oh and lots of tree roots, did I just say tree roots, well, I meant TREE ROOTS! Haha! If you do this run, please be patient as the crossroads to the other trails, i.e., Upper Mangatawhiri Trail etc., will come, it is about 12km in. The way back is a lot easier with a lot more running. I found the trails were really well signposted with the little red triangles. I would only recommend attempting this if you are strong and fit enough. This is a serious workout for the calf's and Achilles, not to mention the body!! Now I know what to expect, I will do this again at some point in the future.
My Garmin said 23.8km, 1474 Ascent, 1466 Descent, time was 4:13 hours, and a total time of 4:16 hours. As I am a sucker for punishment, I added a run down A.R.A. Drive and back (3km in total) :-)
May 18
Hard as hell, beautiful native bush, streams to drink out of, the best of rooty trail running.
As I get stronger I look forward to piecing together more running in on the Mangatangi Ridge. The trick is keeping enough in the tank to have a really great blast on the way back down the Upper Mangatawhiri Ridge.
November 12, 2021
LP
Definitely a challenge!
Don’t recommend after 2 weeks of rain & on a wet day (unless you enjoy spending most of time on your bum).
Beautiful bush & a good view from the top of Ernie’s.
Very technical & more of a hike than a run - or a slip & slide in the wet.
November 1, 2021
This is certainly not a running route. Unless you have goat like abilities the only real running opportunities are the gravel road up and back down. The rest of the track/route is very technical exposed roots and vines to try and catch you out at any time.It's great for a hiking, strength building outing if that's what you are after. It is continuously up and down in the bush without any views, good mental training .Personally this track is not a favourite of mine and wouldn't do it again. I prefer more views . But check it out if you want a test.
June 14, 2020
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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