Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Must Love Sand and Stairs.

Auckland, Auckland

Submitted by Mark Craig

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 42 ?

Gnarl Factor: 40 ?

29.0km

990m

1230m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

70%
30%

Easy Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:30

Slow

4:30

Moderate

3:30

Fast

Mercer Bay loop track to Comans track - exit Watchmans Rd, run past Karekare Beach car park and onto Pohutakawa glade emerging onto Karekare beach, stay close to cliffs until you see track markers and follw these to Tunnel point camp (good spot for a rest). Leave tunnel point and head right at the fork straight out to the beach following the water line all the way Whatipu heading inland to start the well signposted Omanawanui track and following all the sign posts to Karamatura track in Huia (with a compulsory out and back to bag Mt Donald McLean of course!)

This trail includes the peak Te Rau-o-te-Huia/Mount Donald McLean.

Old Tramway, waterfalls, lots of birds

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Lots of parking, can get busy though.

38 km

49 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Make sure you go over the dunes staying inland at Karekare to find the Hillary Trail markers that will take you to Tunnel Point.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Water at Karekare, Tunnel Point and Whatipu.

Can be very hot, very cold, extreme wind

Wind, waves

Huia Store

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in either direction but doing east to west would involved more ascent than descent!

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Trail Reviews

Loved this!
About 2000 stairs but stunning views.
High tide & a very strong headwind from Karekare to Whatipu so ran through the dunes instead which made it more bearable. Really beautiful & easy to follow.

Lotte Parson

December 18, 2021

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Karamatura Loop

Karamatura Loop

Length: 11.2km

Level: Beginner

Omanawanui Return

Omanawanui Return

Length: 23.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Only One Hill! Karekare Half Marathon

Only One Hill! Karekare Half Marathon

Length: 21.2km

Level: Beginner

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