Last Updated: 13th Apr 2024
Everything but the Gun Range
Last Updated: 13th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 20 ?
7.8km
230m
230m
90m
Last Updated: 13th Apr 2024
Last Updated: 13th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 20 ?
7.8km
230m
230m
90m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Coastal
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.2%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Upon entering the trail through the clearly marked gate, you want to stay going straight up the stairs, only stopping on the left detour to see the waterfall if you so choose. This will be the busiest section of the trail, and expect to see many young families.
After this, you will continue through stunning native bush until the climb to the summit. After washing your shoes again, make your way directly up towards the lone tree, then diagonal to the fence gate on the summit. From there, feel free to detour to the lookout for great views, or continue down the farm road edging the army base. Follow the road down to the second dip, and cut left down the mown grass to hug the treeline.
Feel free to stop here for an ocean view on the left detour, or continue up the dirt road past the gun embankment. Grind up the hill staying to the left side on the treeline, ignoring the gravel road dropping away to the right. Continue until the marker after the second fence crossing, and drop down into the clearly marked bush entrance.
At the bottom, turn right, then run down the road on the left. Don't take the road up, but instead run past the visitor center and take the second trail on your right, near the small wooden bridge. Cross the road at the top, and traverse down towards the pest proof fence where you exit. Follow the trail up to the main road entrance, where you will enter through the pest proof fence one last time. Wash your feet once more, and then head left. Turn left at the T, and enjoy the last little downhill back to your car.
A wildlife sanctuary with a huge range of New Zealand birds. Noteworthy stops are the waterfall which is accessible on both the out and the back as a small detour. Views up at the top are worth a stop, and if run at night the Tiritiri lighthouse lights up your run from time to time.
If you are very lucky/unlucky they will be test shooting at the firing range next to the park, which can add to some additional flavor to the trail to say the least. This run is fantastic at night with a headlamp, and the bird life really comes alive. It can be shockingly loud with the nocturnal calls, and kiwi sightings are not rare. Keep an eye out for the flash of metal on their leg, the easiest way to spot them in the night.
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.
Tons of parking directly outside the entrance point.
18 km
25 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water only at the public bathrooms 2/3 of the way through the run.
Ridge can be very windy as it is the most easterly part of the peninsula, but only for the top kilometre at most.
Careful of others on the trail, on several occasions I have had entire groups which refuse to step aside so an occasional polite but firm 'excuse me' early in the trail may be necessary. A popular short walk with easy car access, so be aware of crowd potential during busy periods.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Everything but the Gun Range
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Awesome trail with a bit of everything! Single trail, bush, waterfall, paddock great views, beach and flowing downhill to counter the steady ups. Missed the left hand turn at Pink Beach so ended up doing an extra loop. Also didn't quite understand instructions in the last km so came back down the road from the pest proof fence then ducked back onto the yellow trail. All good though - all adds to the adventure!
February 4, 2023
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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