Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Last Trail Standing
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
6.5km
250m
250m
130m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
6.5km
250m
250m
130m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.1%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Begin at the bottom of Exhibition Drive at the Huia Road end. From here head up Exhibition drive to the right (there is a closed gate straight ahead which leads to the Pipeline track). After 500 meters uphill you will come to a small carpark with an option to either head right through a closed gate along Exhibition Drive or straight onto the Beveridge Track. Take this track and follow it all the way to Arataki visitors centre (approximately 2km). Head towards the centre and when you reach it turn right towards the Arataki Nature trail (not the Hillary Trail.) This trail goes through a tunnel under Scenic Drive and then re-enters Native Bush. Once here you want to follow the 'Upper Loop' straight all the way to the Kauri ‘Cathedral’ at the very end. Then, on the way back, retrace your steps (up lots of steps) to the first intersection, turn right onto ‘Upper Loop’ and follow this trail. This will take you on a loop back around the Nature Trail, turn right there and back to Arataki. Once here head back the way you came to enjoy some sweet downhills through stunning bush all the way to the end.
Native bush, beautiful views out towards the West coast as well as towards the city. Lots of signage about Native plant species and the history of the area along the route. A great way to experience the Waitakeres without running on any council/Rahui closed tracks
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.
Plenty of parking around the start of Exhibition Drive. If busy you can drive up Exhibition Drive to the carpark at the top (you will then need to run down to the start to complete the route). Some bus services are available along Huia Road.
4 km
7 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
All tracks are well signposted.
Generally good.
Cellphone
Water available at Arataki Visitor Centre
N/A
Some cyclists use the Beveridge track so be careful on the uphills
Park Kitchen
Titirangi
Good range of food with all dietary requirements catered for.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Excellent, even in torrential rain! The Arataki 'Lower loop' is open via many stairs, but is no longer a loop. You can run it as an out and back to the Kauri Cathedral instead. Note: if following the gpx file, it does not start at the bottom of Exhibition Drive like the description says. Start the course at the bottom of the road, and your watch will say you have finished the route already when you first reach the shoe cleaning station at the start of the Beveridge Track.
December 31, 2023
The Nature Trail lower loop is still closed. Don't be fooled by the newish steps and boardwalk down down Kauri Cathedral...!
February 9, 2020
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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