Overview
Aucklanders are blessed with a plethora of idyllic running tracks, with stunning vistas and variety of gradients and loops. These days it's also a little known fact that Auckland actually produced some of our most successful running athletes in Murray Halberg, John Walker, Peter Snell, and of course the grandfather of running, our very own Arthur Lydiard, who used the Waitakeres as his laboratory for his running thesis. Whether you're keen to jog, work out or run across the harbour bridge for the Auckland Marathon, it helps to know where some of our best running delights are.
Tamaki Drive
Key element of the marathon course, Tamaki Drive is extremely appropriate to open your jogging career. Flat and scenic, tick your legs over while absorbing one of the worlds most glorious harbours and breathing in the goodness of the fresh, sea air. Its also popular, which helps for motivation, but avoid the rollerbladers as they'll show you no mercy.
Auckland Domain
The Auckland Domain is a central hub of sport activity in Auckland, but its less known these days as a one-stop-shop for running. You can leisurely cruise round the ring road near the museum, or bust a gut doing hill reps on the playing fields. The more hidden paradise though is the 'Lovers Lane' tracks that border the Parnell township. Here it's like running in a forest in central Auckland. Give them a crack, we're sure you'll be surprised.
Cornwall Park
Home to the infamous One Tree Hill, which is currently treeless, Cornwall Park is tough terrain but extremely rewarding running wise. Similar to the Auckland Domain, Cornwall Park and its farmland has multiple running options and is set right in the heart of Auckland City. Run the ring road and its cattle stops, or follow the perimeter and it's subequent rolling farmland; the common theme is strength running. And yes, you'll probably encounter some livestock. Enjoy.
Takapuna Milford Coast
Scenic is an understatement. The Milford to Takapuna track follows the stunning North Shore coastline, winding its way from the Takapuna Boat Ramp to Milford Beach. If you don't like clambering over rocks, then this loop is not for you. If you do, lap it up as you'll have plenty to negotiate and the run is virtually rocks and beach only. What's more, you'll be able to enjoy a true Auckland experience with a flat white post run at the Takapuna Beach café. It doesn't come any better than that.
Devonport Hills
The Devonport township, and corresponding mountains of North Head and Mt Victoria, would have to be the most underrated running alternative on the North Shore. When the weather is beaming, North Head is possibly be the best place on the planet to knock out 40 mins. It's very hilly and mostly grassy, but the view is to die for. Mt Victoria is also pretty spectacular with a long challenging climb to the peak from the base on Mays St. Both of these tracks are complemented by the pictureesque King Edward Parade waterfront route loop between them. It's a challenging route, but well worth the sweat.
Okura Bush Walkway
Nestled into Auckland's East Coast Bays, Okura Bush Walkway is fabulous weekend option if you're looking for another off road trek that is hilly, and mostly bush. Beginning at the end of Haigh Access Rd, the out and back loop begins by crossing the Okura River with a climb then rolling all the way to the beach at Karepiro bay where you descend off one mother of a set of steps. Catch your breath, swing a u-turn and get back up there; it's all downhill thereafter.
Woodhill Forest
Home to Auckland's mountain and 4WD biking, Woodhill is also an excellent off road running option and even has it's very own Xterra Trail Series event. A sand based pine forest, galloping around these parts will guarantee you steady, rolling trails which are well established and run for miles. In fact, you'll need to be careful you don't end up returning in a different place from where you started, such is the vast landscape. It's busy, but that only adds to the vibe of the place. It's great and you'll tick of your mileage no worries. Get there.
Waitakere Ranges
This is where champions are made. The Waitakere ranges are a brutal collection of road running geography where Arthur Lydiard turned eager disciplies, into world class runners. Trialling most of the routes himself, Lydiard would determine how far an athlete could go before they broke. And break they did. This is not an easy running option, you need to seriously man or woman up out here. Start in Titirangi and work your way around Scenic Drive, or follow West Coast Road to the Waiatarua TV Mast; this will be character building at its very best. Take some money with you, you may well need it to get home.
Hillary Trail
A less known gem of a run is the Te Henga Walkway, which is often referred to as the Hillary Trail, which takes you from Muriwai to Bethells beach. This is a long run and you'll need to think about your logistics because unless you do the loop return, you'll need a car in both destinations. But god is it worth it. The Hillary trail captures New Zealand nature at it's very best with stunning sea views, breathtaking cliffs and refreshing bush tracks featuring the entire run. Take your time as it's technical and has a meaty staircase climb in too.
Birkenhead Track
You probably wouldn't pick Birkenhead as a mecca for running. Oh but it is. Admittedly one of Auckland's quieter tracks, tick off some kms on the Birkenhead coastline that is Chelsea Estate through to Kauri point and onto Chatswood Reserve. It's dense and can be fairly dark in winter, but the advantage is you won't notice how long you've running till you exit the track. Win, win right? Give it a whirl, you won't be disappointed.
Photo Credit:
Hillary Trail - Shaun Collins