Five Rewarding Pit Stops to Make When You're Tackling the Auckland Domain Run

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With multiple tracks and trails, Auckland Domain/Pukekawa is a go-to running destination for those who want to escape the confines of the inner city without travelling too far. As a bonus, the park has loads of free parking and its looped track is an accessible 4.4 kilometres. And there's more to look at here than you might think. To help you explore further, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you five pit stops to factor in to your weekend run which will take your route up to seven kilometres in total. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below.

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Flickr; Neerav Bhatt

DOMAIN WINTERGARDENS

The Wintergardens has been around since 1913 and is home to two Victorian glass-domed greenhouses that lead out to a courtyard. This idyllic spot is perfect for warm-up stretches (just watch your step around the decorative pool). While you're working your quads, check out the marble statues gifted by a local businessman in the 1920s. Fun fact: one of the greenhouses is home to one of the world's rarest flowers, titan arum, which blooms at notoriously unpredictable intervals and emits a peculiar scent for up to 72 hours. Its stench is so foul people have been known to faint in its presence.

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MJ Tangonan; Unsplash

BILLY CAFE

With the first couple of kilometres under your belt, take a break at Billy Cafe on Carlton Gore Road. The friendly team at Billy makes a great matcha latte and we recommend the hash brown sandwich, made with beef patty, bacon, avo, a fried egg, hollandaise sauce, and three layers of crispy hash browns. Pull up a pew and relax on one of the outdoor benches. Or, grab a takeaway brew for the journey.

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Flickr; UCFFool

PUKEKAWA TRAIL LOVERS PATH

With some fuel in your system, make your way from Carlton Gore Road towards the city hospital. Head through the historic park entry gates, past the duck ponds and down through the bush towards the ASB Tennis Centre. After a hill sprint you'll reach Pukekawa Trail Lovers Path. The raised walkway is surrounded by nikau palms and other native trees. If you pause for a second, listen out for the cheeky tui. The path ends facing the museum on Domain Drive.

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AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Once you've regained your breath, sidestep into Auckland War Memorial Museum. This impressive building is the subject of many an Instagram Story for travellers and locals alike, but how often do you actually set foot inside? Entry is free for Auckland residents, so you really have no excuse. Here at 11.30am? Seize the chance to join a behind-the-scenes Secret Museum Tour. It's $30 and a rare opportunity to discover works not currently on display in the museum.

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WINTERGARDEN PAVILION

Your lap of the inner city green oasis is complete. It's time to reward yourself with an indulgent high tea. On the first and third weekends of every month, Wintergarden Cafe hosts a pinky finger raising high tea menu with all the usual suspects. Expect cucumber, egg and aioli sammies and lemonade scones with raspberry jam and whipped cream. You'll need to book in advance, but if you're planning a group activity this is a worthy finish line reward. Not ready to dine in? There's also The Kiosk, which sells ice cream, freshly squeezed juices and takeaway coffees, that you can savour on the large deck or seats outside.

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In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Auckland.

Top image: Ketut Subiyanto

Published on March 15, 2021 by Ruby Romanos

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