Description

Run begins at the bottom of Whitianga Rock path and climbs up a short set of stairs. Follow the path around to the left when reaching the first junction; this takes you towards Back Bay (the path is also part of an old earthwork rampart from the site's days as an occupied pa).
Continue on the path across Back Bay and enter the bush trail on the far side. From here there is a vertical climb of approx 100m with a 2.6% gradient, mostly wooden stairs. The descent on the opposite side of the ridge is equally steep. Turn right upon exiting the bush and cross the road.
Continue down the footpath and turn right at the beach. Follow to beach around and up the signposted Shakespeare Reserve track. Follow this all the way around. When it rejoins the main road, turn left towards Cooks Beach. Take the next signposted left (Rees Ave) then continue straight ahead and down a right-of-way to the beach. Turn right and run down the beach to Purangi Estuary (great for a swim!).
Return by heading back the way you came.

Features of interest

The stone steps at Ferry Landing are one of the oldest stone structures in NZ. Neighbouring Whitianga Rock is a pa site from the Ngati Hei people who inhabited the area pre-colonisation. Flaxmill Bay is the site of a large flax mill from the 19th century. Shakespeare Cliff features a lookout over Mercury Bay, and adjacent Cooks Beach was where Captain James Cook observed the transit of Mercury in 1769.

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 15%

Easy Single Track: 30%

Sealed Road: 55%

Route Data