Coronation Reserve Short LoopBeginner

Description

Track is gravel with stairs.

Starting at Kauika Road West, the path crosses over the footbridge into the reserve and onto the beginning of the Frank Holman Memorial Track. It turns left, following the edge of the reserve before heading up the hill. The track is not surfaced and is quite steep so it can be slippery after heavy rain. The track passes an impressive stand of mature native trees on the way to the summit. From here there is an option to turn right to complete a circular walk via the Kauika Road link.

The main track continues up to a high ridge, passing by one of the pā sites. Follow the orange waymarks as the woodland rides open onto the adjacent private property. Where the track becomes surfaced, the Selwyn Avenue link is sign posted off to the right. Take this tun to exit at Quarry Arts centre, then walk along road back to Kauika Road. Alternatively, continue straight to exit at Russell Road. The Coronation Reserve has plenty of opportunities for long or short runs, linking with the Quarry Gardens, Whau Valley Dam and Pukenui Forest tracks.

Features of interest

The Coronation Scenic Reserve is an area of bush-clad hills adjacent to the Western Hills Drive which forms a natural boundary to the west of central Whangarei. It was purchased as a scenic reserve in 1912 and commemorates the coronation of King George V. The reserve is steeped in history and contains two Māori pā sites and over 100 storage pits. Gold mining took place adjacent to the Rust Track in the 1870’s but proved to be uneconomic.

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 80%

Sealed Road: 20%

Route Data