Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Matakana to Dome Valley Return

Warkworth, Auckland

Submitted by Nick Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 55 ?

Gnarl Factor: 65 ?

31.0km

1500m

1500m

390m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Run Makeup

10%
5%
20%
65%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

6:30

Slow

5:00

Moderate

4:00

Fast

The route is for the most part very well signposted as it is part of the Te Araroa trail and is mark with orange triangles. The first section from Matakana has a couple of places where this is not entirely obvious so if you have the ability to load the gpx file into your watch that would definitely help. Overall this is a beautiful run through NZ native forest. Sadly, the cafe at the Dome Valley end is no more!

The two major things of note on this trail are passing through some spectacular and old Kauri trees about 3km from the Dome Valley end and of course the view over Warkworth, Sandspit, Matakana, etc from the Dome Lookout

On Matakana Valley Rd opposite Govan Wilson Rd there is a gravel pull off bay which fits about 4 cars.

15 km

17 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Generally good.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

There is water available at the Dome Valley end and a couple of river crossings if needed

It was pretty muddy when I went through in mid March so in the middle of winter this would be very muddy after rain and at the top of Dome Valley lookout it can get pretty windy

Rusty Pelican
Matakana
Fantastic local bar/pub/restaurant for pizza, burgers, beer and relaxing. If you're ordering pizza, go for the Spicy Chicky, it's awesome.

Plume Cafe
Matakana
If it's not quite beer o'clock head for Plume Cafe, great coffee and lunch/breakfast as well as fresh baked bread every day

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Trail Reviews

Bit of mission in winter mud! We only went about halfway (starting from Dome end) ran whenever we could and it still took over 3 hours! Good fun if you are happy with some sploshing slogging and scrambling.

Lyn Stanton

August 26, 2018

Would not recommend running this mid winter at midnight. It's quite muddy and very hard work by torch light. Expect to do quite a bit of power hiking. Otherwise an enjoyable trail. The Dome Valley cafe is a worthy stop.

Brent Tucker

August 2, 2018

I have done this trail in reverse as part of a longer TA walk and also part of it as an out and back from the Dome Cafe. It's tough in parts, lots of climbing and technical trail but also rewarding. A good substitute for tougher Waitakere trails while they are closed

Jenny Hirst

May 20, 2018

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