Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Mt Tamahunga

Matakana, Auckland

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 14 ?

Gnarl Factor: 79 ?

5.1km

420m

420m

442m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +16.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -16.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:40

Fast

This is quite a slog heading up, rewarded by the cruise back down to the car. You start at a nice spacious carpark with both DOC and Te Araroa signs to check out. Then its about 500m up through private farmland, you need to stay on the trail and try not to spook any farm animals that may be around, as this is a working farm and access to the trail is dependent on permission.

Once you reach the bush the trail is clear, but anything but easy. Plenty of tree roots (see pictures) and mud, even after reasonably fine weather, makes it a good testing climb. Just follow the ubiquitous orange triangles. Near the top you will see a sign (see pic), ignore the trail to the left and carry on up to the top. The top is signified by a grassy area with a clearing to the right with great views over Leigh and the coast. There is a good size platform as well, not sure what was there originally though. Once you have had a look around, taken a couple of pictures of the view and had a drink from your pack, turn around and head back to the car. The trail itself carries on all the way to Pakiri if you fancy a very long out and back or can con someone to pick you up at the other end. I will try to map the remainder of the run on future visits.

Part of the New Zealand-long Te Araroa Trail

There is a good off-road carpark with warnings not to leave valuables in your car.

6 km

7 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

There is only the one turn off the trail which is covered in the trail description.

Generally good.

Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.

No water on trail

This trail could be extremely muddy in winter and/or after heavy rain.

The tree roots are a rolled ankle waiting to happen... especially on the downhill, so if you have dodgy ankles then be careful... maybe walk!

Trail Legend

LH

Linda Hopper

has completed Mt Tamahunga twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great for getting vert on the legs, and fun on the downhill, and but not very 'runnable' so don't count this as your LSD in a training plan. Think 'hike' on the up, and 'tree-root scramble' on the down. It was fairly dry in early December and a lovely cool run as you're in bush most of the time. A good adventure and great rewarding views at the top.

Rebecca Cooper-Bullock

December 5, 2022

Steep track in places, alot of roots also. Not too runnable up, but good fun coming down. Nice view to Omaha at the top.

Andrew Harvey

January 5, 2021

I've nicknamed it the "Tamahunga Tootsie Tangle" hahaha. Between the tree roots and the steepness there was no running up hill for me. Great training for the Routeburn though :) I climbed Tamahunga twice then carried on to Pakiri Beach.

Kirstin Adolph

February 24, 2019

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Tamahunga to Pakiri Beach

Tamahunga to Pakiri Beach

Length: 17.4km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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