The route starts from the small car park on Russell Road and immediately enters the Coronation Scenic Reserve on the Frank Holman Memorial Track. The initial 1 km is a steep climb through mature native bush, gaining approximately 154 m before reaching the junction with the Selwyn Avenue Link.
At the junction, turn left onto the Selwyn Avenue Link and descend steeply toward the Quarry Arts Centre. This section includes numerous steps and boardwalk sections before emerging at the Quarry Arts Centre on Selwyn Avenue. The official Selwyn Avenue Link is approximately 680 m long and is surfaced with numerous steps and boardwalks.
Exit the Quarry Arts Centre onto Selwyn Avenue and turn right onto Fifth Avenue. Follow Fifth Avenue and Wilson Avenue to Kauika Road West. Turn right onto Kauika Road West and descend a short distance before re-entering the Coronation Scenic Reserve.
Turn onto the Frank Holman Memorial Track and follow it anticlockwise. The track climbs approximately 140 m over the next kilometre before reaching the upper junction. Stay left and continue following the Frank Holman Memorial Track around the ridge. This section undulates through mature native forest and nīkau groves, with occasional views toward Whangārei. The reserve contains significant archaeological features including Māori pā sites and storage pits.
When the route reaches the Selwyn Avenue junction again, continue straight rather than turning onto the Selwyn Avenue Link. The final kilometre descends steeply back toward the Russell Road car park, completing the loop.
The route is short but very hilly, with approximately 392 m of cumulative ascent and descent over 6 km. The steep sections can be slippery after rain.
It's Generally well maintained, but steep and potentially slippery after rain. The Frank Holman Memorial Track was upgraded in 2022, including improved metal surfacing, boxed steps and removal of hazardous trees.
The route passes through Coronation Scenic Reserve, which contains mature native forest, nīkau groves, city and harbour viewpoints, and significant Māori archaeological sites. The reserve contains two pā sites and more than 100 storage pits dating from the pre-European period. The Quarry Arts Centre, reached partway through the loop, is a community arts centre with galleries, artist studios, workshops and a café.
None.
There is a small car park at the Russell Road trailhead. Parking is limited. The route is also relatively accessible without a car compared with more remote Whangārei trails, with the central-city area a short walk away.
2 km
5 minutes
No
Moderate.
The key navigation points are the two crossings of the Selwyn Avenue Link junction.
On the first pass, at the Frank Holman Memorial Track junction, turn left onto the Selwyn Avenue Link and descend toward the Quarry Arts Centre.
After leaving the Quarry Arts Centre, follow Selwyn Avenue → Fifth Avenue → Wilson Avenue → Kauika Road West, then re-enter the reserve.
Once back on the Frank Holman Memorial Track, follow the track anticlockwise around the ridge. At the upper junction, stay left and continue around the loop.
When the route reaches the Selwyn Avenue junction for the second time, do not turn onto the Selwyn Avenue Link. Continue straight on the Frank Holman Memorial Track toward Russell Road.
Orange track markers are used on the Frank Holman Memorial Track.
After prolonged wet weather, expect muddy or slippery steps, roots and steep sections.
Slippery surfaces after rain.
Tree roots and uneven surfaces.
Fallen branches/trees can occasionally affect the track.
Minimal Traffic on Selwyn Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Kauika Road West.
The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.
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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.
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