Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mangawhai Heads
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 14
Gnarl Factor: 67
7.9km
260m
260m
117m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 14
Gnarl Factor: 67
7.9km
260m
260m
117m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Urban fringe
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.1%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the carpark, run out the beach for approx 3.8km. It's a mix of sand and rock-hopping. After the rock arch you'll see the easily marked stairs on the left which will return you back home along the cliff tops.
If you prefer to run faster, then after about 1.4km of beach, take the clifftop route inland and do an out and back instead.
Rock arch and crazy rock formations
Lots of parking and toilets right by the start. Very safe with lots of people about.
34 km
33 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
At 1.2km you'll have the option of heading left to go the cliff section first. I think it's probably best to run out the beach first.
Must go +/- 2 hours either side of low tide if you want to do the full beach bit through the rock arch.
Very patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone.
Must have been some at the carpark but I didn't check.
Can only run beach bit +/- 2 hours either side of low tide.
If you take the beach route to complete the full loop, then you'll need to watch your footing while rock-hopping. Ankle rolling central in parts.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
For an FKT your run must use the full extent of the beach as described below.
You and Mangawhai Heads
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IM
The run along the cliff path is beautiful, stunning views, well maintained and inspires you to run your best. Wasn't such a fan of the loose rocks back along the shore which extend most of the way back from the arch to where you turned off the beach to head up the track. If you want more track run and hills then turn back up the track after marveling at the rock arch and return the way you came.
October 26, 2022
Just beautiful! As others have said, check tides (you won't get through the rock arch for an hour or two either side of high tide). If you're running along the bottom and it's already wet feet on an incoming tide at the cliff with the column rock formations, you won't get through the arch! If you're not sure get the extra hill work in your legs and do the out and back on the top route (it's surprisingly hilly).
January 22, 2020
A lot of rock running to begin with! As stated in the notes, the rock arch marks where the easily found stairs are and you are rewarded with simply stunning views on the non-technical trail back. If not keen on rocks, or high tide, just do the hill top walk there and back. But to get the Wild Things points, do as stated!
July 17, 2017
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