Great Runs in Auckland, New Zealand

Note: For a complete guide to running in Auckland, see the the Great Runs Home Page.
Auckland is a great city for running, with pristine city parks, beautiful beaches, and paved paths winding through skyline and coastal views. Our guide to running in Auckland incorporates the city’s unique natural setting, with harbors on the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Highlights include several paths along the water and beaches such as Tamaki Drive and Pakuranga Pathway, a run up the dormant volcano of Mt. Eden, Auckland Domain, and several routes in the bush (wooded trails). Runners seeking an extra dose of adventure can retreat into “the bush” for elevation gains through seemingly enchanted forests, where we feature several routes.
Tamaki Drive. A pristine walking and cycling path from Judges Bay to St. Heliers, with striking views of the city skyline and sections of sweeping beach.
Auckland Viaduct/Nelson Street Cycleway. Centrally located run on the brilliant hot pink Nelson Street Cycleway, and the Viaduct is a great place to watch the ships come and go.
Auckland Domain. Popular loop through Auckland’s signature park, featuring the War Memorial Museum, a quaint pond, and a run down Lover’s Lane.
Orakei Basin. The wooden walkway and bridge around Orakei Basin makes for a fun, quick run with great water views the whole way.
Mt. Eden. A run up the summit of Mt. Eden, with great views of the city from the summit.
Pakuranga Pathway. Lovely shared use paths along the peninsula, from Pakuranga to the point of Buckland’s Beach. Water views much of the way.
Cornwall Park. Home to Auckland’s famous One Tree Hill, and other hills for a surprising challenge through rolling farmland.
Takapuna Beach. If sand running is your jam, don’t miss Takapuna Beach, a lovely stretch of flat sand with unbeatable views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf.
Kitekite Falls and Tasman Lookout. The trail to Kitekite Falls isn’t a long run, so we’ve paired it with a road run out to the Tasman Lookout, making for a picturesque tour of Piha (a village about an hour outside of Auckland).
Okura Bush Walkway. This route in Auckland’s East Coast bay is a tough, hilly track through the bush — perfect for a longer adventure.

