Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Not my left eye, it's Maraetai!
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 26
10.0km
360m
360m
204m
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 26
10.0km
360m
360m
204m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.5%
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1:45
Slow
1:25
Moderate
0:50
Fast
Maraetai Forest is a commercial forest for such purposes so please be cautious at all times. However, it is shared by a professional group for your pleasure of using the forest for biking and running. It is primarily a mountain bike forest. This route circumnavigates the forest. However you could easily add on 20km of lush trails winding in and out and around of this route. From the Rewa Road entrance you will find the old gates easy enough and from there the main forestry trail begins and loops right around the forest - so you shouldn't have a problem of getting lost. Starting from the gate, follow the main forestry trail for about 3km to a junction where you should find a sign saying "Trig Road". Naturally you can go either way, however the main flow is clockwise so stay left and carry on up and along the trail until you come to the big blue shipping container about another 2km away. This container is a meeting point as it is near the highest point and a great look out. From the blue container keep following the main trail and do not come off this trail. If you stay on this trail you will swing right back around to the junction and can then either go back up and around or make your way down to the Rewa Road gate for exiting. Once familiar with the loop, you will see many bike trails off the main track... And that's where the fun really starts!
Lots of birdlife and the magical New Zealand flora - gorse! This is commercial forestry so expect fallen logs, some waterways, Auckland clay, lots of forestry roads and some cute Fantails.
Travel by car is the only really viable option. Plenty of parking.
0 km
1 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Its hard to get lost... Seriously.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.
No water on site so take your own!
Lots of Auckland clay so in winter if you're going off the main track be ready for some gluggy clay on the shoes.
No hazards as such but will note that cell reception is limited. So as you can easily go off course do the smart thing and tell someone where you're headed.
The Stables Whitford
Whitford Village
https://www.thestableswhitford.co.nz/
Craft beer and buffalo wings are great
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Not my left eye, it's Maraetai!
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Like others I missed the grade 3 track at the end of Trig Road. Boundary Cruise, according to the bike track map, starts near Boundary Run. Unfortunately Boundary Run is the more obvious, so recommend taking a few more moments to look around before finding yourself on a very steep descent. Boundary Run does join with Boundary Cruise though so it's not a major if you miss the turn off.
These well maintained tracks are good to do when cooler and overcast as there is no shelter or cover on the track. The bike club is keeping them well maintained so make sure you purchase the day pass to use the forest. With the exception of Boundary Run, and Boundary Cruise the tracks are all gravel road, and wide enough for bikes to pass you easily. Stunning views across to Rangitoto and back to the Sky Tower from the tops.
You will need to purchase your day pass online at the PCBC website https://www.pohutukawacoastbikeclub.com/buy-passes/p/day-pass-1. Some google sites will tell you the pass can be purchased at Maraetai GAS station. The reality is they only sell these for Sundays (not sure on the logic here!). Thankfully you can get the day pass online, and even only 5 minutes before you intend to run.
October 29
The only reason I’m giving this a 3 star rating is because after you reach the top of the trail and move into the downhill MTB trail the running trail is easy to miss. Had to go back on myself to find it and then that section of trail is overgrown with grass and gorse. Ended up being a slow bushwhack until I reached the forestry road and start running again. Very hilly and very exposed to the hot sun! Good work out for the legs and the views are beautiful!
December 11, 2021
Great run, so many options with down hill MTB tracks when you reach the top. Once at the top where the blue container is (the Trig) I took the left hand fork in the forestry road that runs along the ridge giving you views North and South East to the valley below and the Hunuas in the distance, this eventually becomes the grade 4 MTB track, can be a bit slippery after rain as steep in some places, watch out for hard core bikers that will crank it down this track. I have never had an encounter and run this track regularly. I recommend you do this track in the next few years if you want to see the vista’s, which are spectacular. In a few years the new pines will have grown and the view will disappear for 15-20 years, saying that the smell of pine forest running provides another gorgeous experience.
March 7, 2021
BG
Another superb Auckland trail. Absolutely stunning views and easy trail but with soooo many options through the mtb trails. Little bit confusing with the directions. At the blue container I stuck to the left and went down the mtb trails. Very fun and fast though. Will be back to explore again. Swim and a sorbet afterwards made this 6 stars for me.
January 17, 2021
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