Huntleigh Park and Crow's Nest Intermediate
Submitted by Richele McKenzie
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushOpen farmlandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
1:10 (Slow)
0:50 (Moderate)
0:30 (Fast)
-14.2%
+14.7%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Please set your gender to see your position on the FKT leaderboards.
The more , the harder the FKT will be to beat. Learn about Fastest Known Times.
Description
This is a tough little hilly workout with brilliant views. The trail winds to the right behind the Community Water Station and then turns left up through the Reserve.
Follow the main trail uphill. There are intersections at approx 400m and 500m. Go straight through the first and veer left and then straight at the second. You will soon come upon a stile with signage noting the track is for walkers only (no bikes).
A little further is a sign for Korimako Track. Follow the arrow for Crow's Nest. There are a series of steps cut into the hill. At the approx 1.2km mark take the track to the right to a clearing with a cairn and a seat. This is a nice viewing spot.
Wind back and up towards a stile. Cross and follow the track until you get to the sign saying Crow's Nest (approx 1.8k mark). More stunning views. Turn right onto Skyline Walkway and continue until you get to the large sign for Bell's Track (approx 2.5km mark).
Follow Bell's Track downhill, and turn right just before it exits onto Awarua Street. The sign says "Heke/Patna Sts Huntleigh Park Way Crow's Nest Track". You'll cross a stile and pass an unusual building / shack. Continue along Korimako Track, following signs for "Crow's Nest Track" until you return to the sign for Silverstream Road.
Make your way back down through Huntleigh Park Reserve to the start.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Bell's Track originally provided access between Ohariu Valley farms and the Ngaio Railway Station. It is part of the Te Araroa Trail. There is a group dedicated to restoring the vegetation.
Huntleigh Park is a WCC reserve with ecologically important remnant forest. Tracks are marked with small coloured posts.
Awesome views from several spots! A great add on to neighbouring trails such as Trelissick Park, Skyline and Silver Sky.
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 90%
Easy Single Track: 10%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
Your Trail Wishlist
All the runs that are on your To Do list (no limit).
Add to wishlist view wishlistWild Explorers
I did it!-
Access
The track starts at Huntleigh Park, just behind the Community Water Station. It's next to Ngaio Playcentre, 50-52 Silverstream Road, Crofton Downs.
Roadside parking is available on Silverstream Road. The trail is 500m away from the Crofton Downs train station.
5 km
10 minutes
Yes
No
-
Staying Safe
Moderate.
Tracks in Huntleigh Park are marked with small coloured posts rather than signs. It's easy to go off trail but you shouldn't get lost if you focus on going uphill. Avoid taking the tracks to the east or you'll end up on Heke St / Huntleigh Park Way.
At Crow's Nest avoid the fainter trail down through the grass towards Ngaio and keep on Skyline until you get to the sign for Bell's Track.
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
There is a water fountain at the Community Water Station, at the beginning of the track.
Closest public toilet is located on Collingwood Street, Ngaio.This is a very hilly course and can get slippery in the winter or after rain.
Exposed to strong winds at the top and along Skyline Walkway - runners can be blown off their feet!Take particular care on the downhills as they can be slippery (especially parts of Bell's Track and Huntleigh Park).
Livestock, including cattle, graze along Skyline. Keep dogs on leads.
Low cloud can sometimes limit visibility along Skyline.
-
Post run indulgence
Columbus Coffee Cart
Crofton Downs Mitre 10 Carpark
Conveniently located between this trail and the Trelissick Park trail. Water available for dogs.Chillax Espresso
Next to Countdown, Crofton Downs, 124 Churchill Drive.
Friendly staff, nice coffee and clean toilets. - Blog Posts and Articles
See other runs nearby:
Makara Peak Grand Loop
Skyline - Mt Kaukau
Sanctuary Fenceline
Ataturk to Pass Of Branda Loop
WUU2k - 42km Route
Red Rocks Loop
Chartwell-Skyline Loop
Otari-Wilton's Bush Loop
Tawatawa Trails
Barking Mad on Barking Emu
Aro Valley - Red Rocks Thigh Buster
Southern Walkway
Polhill to Turbine loop
Park 2 Peak 2 Park
Biblical
Graveyard Shift
Swing Into Action
Trelissick Park
Te Ara Papararangi Views
Mount Kaukau Loop
Johnston Hill Loop
Seton Nossiter Waterfall & Lookout
Seeking Sanctuary
Spooky Gully and the Rocky Shore
Oruaiti Reserve
Linking the Reserves
Te Ahumairangi Ridgeline
Mid Makara Magic
Makara Walkway
Te Raekaihau Point
Matairangi Loop
Swallow's loop
Waimapihi Treatie