Last Updated: 20th Jul 2024
The Weetbix Challenge
Mount Maunganui
Te Ara Motukauri, Waikorire, Oruahine, Te Ara Tutanga
Submitted by Lance Knauf
Last Updated: 20th Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 30 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
21.2km
1335m
1340m
232m
Last Updated: 20th Jul 2024
Te Ara Motukauri, Waikorire, Oruahine, Te Ara Tutanga
Submitted by Lance Knauf
Last Updated: 20th Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 30 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
21.2km
1335m
1340m
232m
Urban fringe
Loop
Very hilly
Beach
Coastal
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
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3:30
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:45
Fast
How many can you do? This is the question which will always be asked when heading out to do this run. This run follows the route selected for the Mauao half marathon which is made up of three ascents, each taking a different route to the summit broken up by a loop around the base track in the anticlockwise direction to stretch the legs out. Starting and ending each leg near the surf club.
For a shorter, easier run on Mount Maunganui, check out Mauao - Round, Up and Down.
The first ascent heads around the base track in the anti clockwise direction for 500m before making a sharp left turn up through the paddocks and joining the 'stairs' track to the summit. When the summit is reached another hard left at the trig station takes you gently through some bush and initially starts down the 4wd track before making a hard right hander to continue on to 'the north face' track. Once the bottom is reached one lap around the base track is completed.
The second lap reaches the summit via the same track which you came down. Once you reach the top continue down the 'stairs' track for 200m. Where a sign to a lookout is viewed make a sharp right hand u-turn which will take you back to the 4wd track. Continue down the 4wd track back to the surf club where another lap around the base is completed.
The third lap starts back up the 4wd track and then continues along the same route to the top as the last ascent. When you reach the top continue down the 'stairs' track all the way to the base before embarking on the third and final loop around the base.
This trail includes the peak Mount Maunganui (Mauao).
Each autumn More FM run an event known as "The Everest Challenge" where 38 ascents is the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest. This is done over 50 days in efforts to raise awareness and money for the Waipuna Hospice.
There are public toilets right at the start of this trail, at the surf club, and also some at the end of Pilot Bay (The Mall).
Parking is on the street so if attacking this run on the weekend you will need to be in early enough to beat those looking for their coffee fix. Otherwise a longer warm up will be required to get to the start line.
9 km
16 minutes
No
No
Easy.
If in doubt head up the way you came down.
Perfect throughout.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water fountain located outside the surf club where each lap starts and ends.
Although this track is always busy with lifestylers summer is peak cruise ship and tourist season so please be considerate and running may not always be an option.
People, people, people, cliff.
Deckchair Cafe
Main Beach
Plenty of bacon and pancakes are available to undo all the work you have just done.
Mount Hot Pools
Rest those weary legs.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Weetbix Challenge
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Awesome little challenge, got to walk a couple of base laps with my Mum and then off I went for the climbs in between! Beautiful views, lots of shady spots for relief from the sun on a hot day, water stops on each lap when you loop around to the surf club, and if you are lucky enough to get a carpark close by you could even have that as an aid station between loops!
November 10
Very good run, awesome views as always and good to see some new upgrades to the track, including stairs on the north face and some AEDs scattered around. I missed a lap around the base as I came in 3km short but will have another crack next week.
September 30, 2021
If youre visiting Mt Maunganui, you owe it to yourself to get up here. Stunning views, good climbs, but go early as it can get pretty busy
March 3, 2020
Currently training on this track for the Mauao Half Marathon - 3 x up, down and around. Hard slog, but the views are worth it.
January 31, 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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