Auckland Xterra - Hunua Ranges

The Hunua Ranges trail running event takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, starting from the Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite on Waterline Road in Hunua, Auckland, New Zealand. As the largest area of native forest in Auckland, the Hunua Ranges feature four distances – Super Long (21km), Long (17.5km), Mid (13.5km), and Short (6km) – on glorious singletrack, stunning bush, fast gravel trails, and stream crossings, with the longer courses offering technical sections and serious climbing for those who love a challenge.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Compulsory Event Briefings: Held 10 minutes before the start of each event – all participants must attend.
• Compulsory Gear (Super Long Course Only): Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, waterproof seam sealed jacket, gloves (polyprop or wool). Gear will be checked at Registration on event morning – no gear, no race. Race bibs will be stamped and checked on the start line. Series entrants who already have their race bib must get their bib stamped before heading to the start line.
• Bad Weather Contingency: In case of poor weather, event staff may adjust the Super Long course for safety. A map of the contingency course will be posted on the Event Information board outside registration, and participants will be notified.
• Kauri Dieback Prevention: The Hunua Ranges are Kauri Dieback free with a Controlled Area Notice in place. All footwear, gear, and vehicles must be free from all visible soil before entering the park boundary. Footwear must be disinfected once soil is removed. Stay on tracks and off Kauri roots. Compliance Officers will be present on event day – failure to have clean footwear/gear/vehicles will result in denied entry to the park.
• Driving Directions: Event Base and Parking located at Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite, Waterline Road, Hunua. From Auckland approx. 1hr – 1hr 15mins. Please allow plenty of time. Do not park until instructed by parking marshals – it is a condition of the permit to restrict event parking to permitted areas.
• Cup Free Event: All events are cup free. Please remember your reusable cup, hydration pack, or water bottle. Collapsible cups or soft flasks can be purchased at Registration on the day.
• Drink Stations: Short Course – 1 station (3.5km). Mid Course – 3 stations (3.5km, 7km, 10km). Long Course – 3 stations (3.5km, 7km, 14km). Super Long Course – 4 stations (3.5km, 7km, 13.5km, 17.5km). All stations stock PURE electrolyte hydration, water, chips, pretzels, lollies; oranges at later stations on Long and Super Long courses. No disposable cups provided.
• Recommended Gear: Hydration backpack with 500ml-1 litre of liquid and nutritional nibbles. Basic first aid kit, cell phone, whistle, and additional warm clothing are also recommended.
• Injury Protocol: If you come across an injured participant, stop and apply first aid if trained. Send the next participant to notify the nearest marshal with the participant's race number, name, location, and incident description. If lost, stop, remain calm, retrace steps. If still lost, put on warm clothing and blow your whistle.
• Personal Responsibility: Personal responsibility is key.
• Series Context: Second of six events in the winter series. Other locations include Tāwharanui Regional Park (May 17), Shakespear Regional Park (June 28), Totara Park (July 19), Riverhead Forest (August 9), and Waitawa Regional Park (August 30). Series Pass over 90% sold. Single event, 3 Event Pass, or Series Pass options available.
• Sponsors & Partners: Merrell, Speight's, PURE, Auckland Council, Blue Loos, GRG, Peak, PA Logo, Photos 4 Sale.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Short Course (6km): 50-50 mix of awesome dirt trail with a couple of little stream crossings and open gravel road. Gravel is flat, trail has a few ups and downs – watch for odd patches of mud and tree roots. Trails used: Blackberry trail, Mangatangi Hill Rd, Moumoukai Valley Rd, River trail.
• Mid Course (13.5km, Run or Walk): 50-50 mix of groomed off-road trails and sleepy gravel roads with stream crossings. Undulating single track keeps you honest. Trails used: Blackberry trail, Mangatangi Hill Rd, Moumoukai Valley Rd, River trail, Farm trail, Manning Rd.
• Long Course (17.5km, Run Only): New for 2026 – valley course without Pukapuka Track. 50-50 mix of groomed off-road trails and sleepy gravel roads with stream crossings. Undulating single track keeps you honest. Trails used: Blackberry trail, Mangatangi Hill Rd, Moumoukai Valley Rd, River trail, Farm trail, Manning Rd, Graeme White Rd, ARA Drive.
• Super Long Course (21km, Run Only): New for 2026 featuring the recently reopened Mangatangi Trig Track. Includes steep climbs and technical running through narrow tramping tracks with mud and many tree roots. Stay alert – sacrifice some speed for accuracy of foot placement. Trails used: Blackberry trail, Mangatangi Hill Rd, Moumoukai Valley Rd, River trail, Farm trail, Manning Rd, Graeme White Rd, ARA Drive, Mangatangi Trig Track.
• Scenic Setting: Tucked in the breathtaking heart of native forest, you'll forget you are anywhere near the big city. Stunning bush, glorious singletrack, fast gravel trails, and stream crossings keep it interesting.
• Atmosphere: A trail running event for all levels – from first-timers to seasoned athletes. Short and Mid courses welcome walkers, perfect for the whole family. Longer courses are unashamedly tough, giving pure joy to those who love the challenge.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can enjoy the breathtaking Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite area, cheer at the start/finish, and explore the largest area of native forest in Auckland.

The Hunua Ranges trail running event on June 7, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand – featuring 6km, 13.5km, 17.5km, and 21km courses through native forest singletrack and gravel trails – offers challenges for all levels with compulsory gear required for the Super Long course and kauri dieback prevention protocols in place.