Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Matakana to Dome Valley Return
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 65
31.0km
1500m
1500m
390m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 55
Gnarl Factor: 65
31.0km
1500m
1500m
390m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
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.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
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
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Matakana to Dome Valley Return
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
LS
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.
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.
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
May 20, 2018
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
.jpg)
