Last Updated: 10th May 2024
Brooklands for the Birds.
Last Updated: 10th May 2024
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 7 ?
10.0km
10m
10m
60m
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Last Updated: 10th May 2024
Last Updated: 10th May 2024
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 7 ?
10.0km
10m
10m
60m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Coastal
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -0.3%
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1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the park information panel at the start simply look out for the blue triangles on posts and the signage for Brooklands. The trail is very clear, there is a boardwalk very close to the start, bird viewing platforms and a few deviations around wet spots. There is a separate trail for horses for the most part but judging from the hoofprints best keep a look out!
The trail heads north along the edge of the lagoon so there's plenty of birdwatching opportunities. After around 4km the trail comes out onto the empty streets of Brooklands, Charon Street to be precise. This is what a suburb looks like when compulsorily cleared by the Crown. Continue along the grass verge, turn right into Chalford St and the trail continues through the gate at the end. You'll come out on Harbour Rd, turn right into Blue Lagoon Drive and head for the stopbank.
Head west (left) on the stop bank for a short stretch before taking the first informal trail to the left off the bank onto the closed street, keep west parallel to the stopbank, left into Lower Styx Rd, left into Harbour Rd, second right to Charon St and retrace your steps all the way back.
Bird hides and viewing platforms with bird ID charts, you might see a kotuku! The deserted residential suburb is a bit of a surreal experience.
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 in various spaces around Spencer Park if you can't just pull up beside the sign.
16 km
24 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
If you miss the first left off the stopbank, just take the next one and you'll be on Lower Styx Rd.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There's water available at the Spencer Park picnic area and camp ground.
Good trail in any weather as it's mostly sand and free draining. Not much shelter though. In summer the Campground shop and cafe are more likely to be open.
Watch out for MTBs and horses who may decide to share the trail.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Nice and varied terrain (tiny bit of road, soft sand, mud, river stone, grass, boardwalks). Gets very slushy and boggy in winter so be prepared!
August 13, 2021
Thanks Diane for the tidal advice. I ran at low tide and there were a few puddles still despite no recent rains. Took the dog along and we had a blast! Agreed that the (mostly) abandoned neighborhood of Brooklands was a bit eerie. I did see a few homes still inhabited and exchanged a friendly hello with folks as I ran by :) The terrain is just so different from my usual Port Hills fare; I quite enjoyed it as a change of pace.
May 16, 2021
DP
This run is along the edge of a tidal lagoon. It might be a good idea to check the tides before you head out on this run. There was a little bit of water across the track when I headed out, on the way back there were sections of knee water. I'm looking forward to running it again at low tide
April 28, 2021
Really enjoyable trail and little different to a lot of other trails. Great bird watching opportunities a long the way. The sand and mud under foot certainly makes for a slower rhythm/stride. Interesting to pass through the redzone of Brooklands and see the now empty sections. Completely exposed trail and hot NW wind left me pretty parched by the end but still a good time out.
October 23, 2020
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