Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
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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!
You and Must Love Sand and Stairs.
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LP
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.
December 18, 2021
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.