Ultra Five-0 Hunua

This is the official route for the Ultra Five-0 Hunua 50km race.

Starting in the quiet seaside town of Kaiaua, the course starts with 6km of sealed road through picturesque farmland, gently climbing from sea level to 140m. Turn right onto Workman Road and follow the flat gravel road north and into the bottom of the Hunua Ranges. Trading out farmland views with native bush, this is where your day really starts.

At almost 10km, you start the first of your two big climbs. Heading up the side of the Mangatangi Dam, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the reservoir and dam. Continue up Mangatangi Hill Road. This is a well-graded gravel road, similar running surface to what you will be on for the bulk of your run. It's the hardest/steepest section of the day – approx. 250m over 3km.

What goes up, must come down! This is a chance for the speedsters to open up as you head back down into the heart of the Hunua Ranges. At the bottom of Mangatangi Hill Road, turn left onto Graeme White Road (at this point, you are leaving the ‘Hunua Traverse’ track – this is to make the run up to a nice round 50km) and then about 400m later turn right onto Manning Road. Partway along Manning Road you’ll step off the road and follow the flowing MTB single track (Rockys Roots, Doova, Water Wheel,  DC3) for just over 2km into the Moumoukai Valley, popping back out onto Graeme White Road. Continue along this road, until you reach Lower Mangatawhiri Campground, turn right and head back on Moumoukai Valley Road. After the wee bridge, make a left onto Manning road and follow this, until the end, tuen left and you are back on the traverse track proper. Follow the gravel roads through the valley basin, and before you know it you’ll be at Upper Mangatawhiri Campground - halfway!

From Upper Mangatawhiri Campground, climb your second dam face of the day, this time Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, before following the reservoir for 2.5km (keep an eye out for stunning reservoir views on your right). Then you are into your second big climb of the day (270m over 3.6km), leaving the reservoir behind and heading up Waterline Road. The course will then head north along the ridge line.

Continue north along Keeny Road. Native bush and valleys from earlier in the day will make way for exotic pine forests, and sprawling views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City off in the distance. This section is gently undulating, while generally heading down, going from 455m above sea level (your highest point for the day) to 333m on this section.

You’ll emerge from the northwestern corner of the Hunua Regional Park at the top of Otau Mountain Road. Head down Otau Mountain Road, descending around 300m over 6km. From there your final few kms are through local farmland trails, before making your way into Clevedon Showground.