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Wellington

 

Wellington, New Zealand

'Wellington, New Zealand' is licensed by Phillip Capper under CC BY 2.0.

 

Wellington's compact nature provides for a delightful mix of oceanside running and hilly, mountainous tracks. If you don't mind a hillier run, climbing up above the city centre towards Te Ahumairangi Hill will award you with with excellent views of the city and ocean below.

For a flatter run, you're best off heading along the Great Harbour Way to the west of the city. By running out and around towards Evans Bay, you'll be right beside the water for the entire run, so it's best done on days where there isn't much windy! This route folllows the direction of the Wellington Marathon, run in June each year. 

Outside of the city centre, Karori Park includes a flat, accessible 1km perimeter loop often used by Wellington Runners for their faster running.

The park is about 7km from the city-centre, but once there you'll be appreciative of the tranquil feel of the 'green' feel in and around the entire park.

Back past the city in Petone, you'll find the beginning of the Hutt River Trail, which extends for 29km all the way to Upper Hutt.

 

Auckland

 

The Auckland Domain is an excellent spot for running, walking and the like. Featuring impressive gardens, sporting ovals, views of the city and most notably the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Domain is one of Auckland's most popular recreational spots.

The climb up to the top of the Domain is fairly hilly, so if you prefer the flat, an accessible running path extends between the CBD and Mission Bay alongside Tamaki Drive.

This route follows sections of the Auckland Marathon, run in November each year. 

Auckland, New Zealand

'Auckland, New Zealand' is licensed by Pedro Szekely under CC BY 2.0

 

Rotorua

 

Rotorua Redwoods, New Zealand

'Mountain Biking in Rotorua' is licensed by trailsource.com under CC BY 2.0

 

Home to the famous Tarawera Ultra Marathon, Rotorua is a trail runner's paradise. Being a small city, the variation of single-track trails, dirt roads and wider gravel trails alongside geothermal pools are all within close proximity to the centre.

The most accessible trail-running spot is the Redwoods Forest that looks exactly how it sounds. Featuring a mix of dirt and grassy trails smothered by a thin covering of pine needles dropping from the towering Redwood trees above, the Forest is an absolute delight. 

By either running though, or driving past the Redwoods, you'll eventually reach Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). A 5.5km track circles the perimeter of the lake, encompassing a mixture of surfaces with a few rolling hills throughout. 

 

Hawkes Bay

 

Te Mata Peak, New Zealand

'Tukituki River and Te Mata Peak' is licensed by Phillip Capper under CC BY 2.0

 

For runners seeking groomed, gravel trails with little elevation and maybe even a pit-stop at a picturesque winery, the Hawke's Bay region is for you! Known for it's vineyards and crystal clear coastline, this region boasts an abundance of trails that meander in and around Napier and surrounding towns.

Albeit being made for cyclists, the Tuki Tuki Trail extends for 29km beginning in Havelock North. Similiarly from Havelock North, you'll find the 18.5km trail that takes you to Clive. Both trails are smooth, gravelly and relatively flat.

For the trail enthusiasts out there, the best option for you will come by heading towards Te Mata Peak. Whilst a road can take you most of the way to the top via car, there is something epic about traversing this peak on foot. Whilst keeping a close eye on where you're feet are planting across the narrow single track, you'll probably think you've found yourself in a set of Lord of the Rings. 

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