Here in Aotearoa, we’re ridiculously lucky. Within an hour’s drive of Auckland’s bustling city centre, you can trade the concrete jungle for rugged West Coast sea cliffs, pest-free island sanctuaries, ancient pine forests, and golden North Shore beaches.
Whether you’re stepping into trail running for the first time or clocking up long Sunday mileage, getting out into nature is the ultimate mental reset. We’ve rounded up 6 of the best hikes and trail running spots across the Auckland region…plus what to pack in your bag to keep yourself fuelled for the run.
1. Tāwharanui Regional Park
- Distance: 9 km loop (Tāwharanui Point Loop) | Difficulty: Moderate
Located on a peninsula just past Matakana, this predator-free sanctuary combines white-sand surf beaches, coastal bluffs, and native bush. You’ll run alongside rare native birds like tīeke and takahē with views out toward Little Barrier Island.
2. Mercer Bay Loop Track (Piha / West Coast)
- Distance: 2.7 km loop | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Short, punchy, and utterly dramatic. Perched high above Piha, this track traces 200m sea cliffs dropping straight into the Tasman Sea. It’s hands-down one of the best sunset spots in the North Island.
3. Long Bay Coastal Track (North Shore)
- Distance: 6 km return | Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Sweeping coastal headland trails, rolling green pastures, and quiet access to hidden coves like Granny’s Bay and Pohutukawa Bay. Perfect for a brisk morning run followed by a ocean swim.
4. Waiwera to Wenderholm Coastal Loop
- Distance: 6–8 km loop | Difficulty: Moderate
A local favourite near Silverdale. Starting at Waiwera Beach, trace the estuary around into Wenderholm Regional Park, then take the headland stairs up through nikau palms for sweeping water views.
5. Riverhead Forest
- Distance: Endless network | Difficulty: Moderate
The ultimate playground for trail runners. Riverhead offers a massive web of unpaved forestry roads and flowing singletrack through dense pine forest. Great for building leg strength on hill reps.
How to Fuel Your Trail Adventure
When you’re out tackling steep incline stairs or clocking up coastal kilometres, standard sugary gels won’t give you sustained stamina. Whole-food plant fats burn slowly, keeping your energy steady from start to finish.
Here’s what the Forty Thieves team packs in their trail vest:
- Pre-Run Fuel: Sourdough or rice cakes spread thick with Forty Thieves Crunchy Peanut Butter and sliced banana. High-oleic peanuts provide slow-burning monounsaturated fats.
- On-the-Go Trail Bites: Medjool dates stuffed with Forty Thieves SuperFood Hemp or SuperFood Chocolate and a pinch of sea salt.
- Hydration & Protection: At least 1L of water, sunscreen, a light windbreaker jacket, and a hat.
See you on the trails!
