Overview
From Pakuranga to Half Moon Bay, this 18-kilometre route takes you along the Tāmaki River edge showing off the Eastern Bays' finest scenery. You can expect to pass beautiful bays and well-maintained parks and reserves, as part of the route is maintained by the local rotary clubs and Auckland City Council. It also passes by a couple of excellent coffee stops and secluded beaches, if you know where to look. To help you discover more on your run, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you five rewarding pit stops to make on your run, from starting from Kerswill Place and finishing at Musick Point. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below.
Flickr; Silver Stack
PAKURANGA SAILING CLUB
Starting from Kerswill Place, run four kilometres alongside the Tāmaki River to Pakuranga Sailing Club. The local club has sailing programs for young and old, but you're here for the free exercise equipment bordering the Pakuranga Sailing Club at Bramley Reserve. Take a breather and stretch or use the equipment for a little training session. If the workout machines aren't enough, commandeer the kids' playground equipment at the neighbouring Snakes and Ladders Park where you can take a seat on the bench and watch the yachts make their way into the harbour.
THE BURBS EATERY
After you've finished your session at the 'gym', head ten minutes inland to Farm Cove. Navigate your way through the streets to The Burbs Eatery. This cafe is a hidden gem in East Auckland suburbia. Stop here for a rewarding cup of Allpress coffee and a piece of its legendary ginger slice. If you're after something a little more substantial, we strongly recommend its chilli scramble, complete with baby spinach and feta on sourdough. How's that for some protein gains? Once you've let that digest, lace your trainers and hit the pavement once again.
Greg Lois Nunes
MARINA CANTINA, HALF MOON BAY
The masterminds behind the popular Grangers Taphouse also own Marina Cantina, a Mexican restaurant and bar known for its tacos, tequila and good times. Overlooking the Half Moon Bay marina and ferry terminal, the eatery is a prime location to park up for a rest on your walk or run. Its frozen black doris plum margaritas are downright deadly and only $13. If you're more of a leisurely runner, you could finish up your run here and watch the world go by. It usually has a variety of seasonal margaritas on the changing specials board, too.
Flickr; Russell Street
LITTLE BUCKLANDS BEACH
Sprint along The Parade and cool off with a dip in the ocean at Little Bucklands Beach. By now you'll have ticked off around ten kilometres, so it's high time you had a quick cool down. In the middle of the day, you'll be joining locals having beach picnics or paddleboarding in the calm waters. If you're running in the evening, Little Bucklands Beach is the perfect place to spot a golden sunset. Or, you could finish your run here and enjoy a fish and chips picnic while you watch the boats in the harbour.
Wikimedia Commons
MUSICK POINT
You're on the final stretch. As you make your way to the end of the peninsula you will see a sign for Musick Point, which overlooks the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Watch out for stray golf balls as you take the path up through Howick Golf Course. You'll know you've made it when you stumble upon the former radio transmission tower. Now: reward yourself with views and a gulp of fresh air. While you're there, check out the information plaques as the area is rich in history and played an important role in communications in the South Pacific during WWII. If you've got more energy to spare, the steep stairs down to the beach make for an excellent glute workout (just remember you'll need to return, too).
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: Unsplash