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

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Whether it's after work, in your lunch break, or as a weekend outing, running or walking around Auckland's waterfront is a great way to burn off some energy. There's plenty to see and do between Downtown Ferry Terminal and Westhaven Marina, and this flat route is perfect for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. The seven-kilometre loop has you passing historical sites and new eateries that are well worth checking out, too. Together with Adidas, we've rounded up five of our favourite pit stops along the way. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below.

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'The Lighthouse' by Michael Parekowhai. Photo: David St George

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Starting at Downtown Ferry Terminal, run towards The Lighthouse, a large-scale art installation at the tip of Downtown Auckland's ferry inlet. This Queens Wharf artwork is by sculptor Michael Parekowhai of Ngā Ariki Kaiputahi, Ngāti Whakarongo and Pākeha descent. The artwork is a traditional 1950s-style home, but inside there's something unexpected: a larger-than-life polished steel sculpture of James Cook, called The English Channel. Interior fluorescent lights bounce off his reflective surface at night, creating another experience in itself. Queens Wharf is just under one kilometre there and back, so it is the perfect slow warm-up to ease you into your run.

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Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development

NEW ZEALAND MARITIME MUSEUM

After a lap of the pier, head to New Zealand Maritime Museum, located at the entrance of the Viaduct. To get the most out of this Museum, tack on to the back of a free guided tour or check out the New Beginnings exhibition about the experiences of early immigrants. The Museum houses one of New Zealand's significant heritage collections and covers off the rich history that our nation has with the sea. Admission is free for Auckland residents and it's open from 10am–5pm every day.

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AUCKLAND FISH MARKET

Follow your nose (yep, that's some classic Kiwi fish 'n chips you can smell) and make Auckland Fish Market your next stop. Established in 1904, this seafood hub has been an Auckland institution for almost 120 years. The Fish Market now hosts a variety of casual eateries and a big screen in the courtyard so you can watch sporting events such as the America's Cup. Our go-to eatery is Lobster & Tap. Head here for a hot buttered lobster roll. If you can't get enough of this luxurious kai moana, give the lobster mac 'n' cheese a go. You won't regret it.

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Thant Zin Oo

WESTHAVEN MARINA

Let your lunch digest before picking up the pace and running 2.5 kilometres to the end of Westhaven Drive where you'll find Westhaven Marina. With a relatively new boardwalk, this route is flat and scenic — just watch out for kids on scooters. Once you hit the harbour bridge, pause for a minute to watch the brave souls partaking in the AJ Hackett Harbour Bridge Bungy. Make your way further around the pier towards the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron building and take a selfie with the bronze teddy bear statue. This little ted was commissioned by the family of Lawrence D Nathan and celebrates Auckland's love of sailing and the ocean.

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THE GOOD LUCK COCONUT

Now you're on the home stretch. Make haste back towards the city centre and, once there, celebrate your harbourside loop at The Good Luck Coconut. This relaxing tiki-style bar serves some of the tastiest cocktails in the Viaduct, as well as Pacific- and Asian-inspired dishes. Check out its daily specials board, or cool down with a pineapple daiquiri and sweet potato bread with toasted coconut butter. If you're there on the weekend, enjoy the tunes from the resident DJ and let yourself be transported to the islands.

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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: Thant Zin Oo

Published on March 19, 2021 by Ruby Romanos