Takapuna Beach
On a sunny day, you can't beat a run along Takapuna Beach to St Leonard's Bay, which looks out towards Rangitoto. Although there's plenty of space when the tide's out, the beach is also an off-leash dog area, which the locals take full advantage of.
— Access from The Promenade, Takapuna
Oakley Creek
Tucked away next to Waterview's ongoing tunnel and motorway extension is the Oakley Creek track, which is a nice shady route which leads to a surprisingly decent waterfall.
— Entrance at the corner of Great North and Blockhouse Bay Rd, or end of Cradock St, Avondale
Auckland Domain
With duck ponds, sports fields and expansive gardens, the Auckland Domain is a majestic location for a run, as well as having enough of an incline to be challenging. Plus, a stroll around the enclosed wintergardens is the perfect way to warm down.
— Park Rd, Grafton
Orakei Basin
As a mixture of bush and over-water boardwalk, looping around the Orakei Basin makes for an interesting exercise route.
— 249 Orakei Rd, Remuera
Pipeline
A long-time favourite of west Auckland locals, the pipeline track is a wide gravel road surrounded by bush with peeks out towards the Waitakeres.
— Near Huia Rd and Exhibition Dr intersection, Titirangi
Cornwall Park
If you're looking for a challenge, do a few laps of Cornwall Park including the ascent to One Tree Hill - it's a nice place to take a breather before your next round.
— Main entrance off Green Ln West, Greenlane
Tamaki Dr
There's a reason running along Tamaki Dr is such a popular route - it's evenly paved, long and includes some of Auckland's best views out over the harbour.
— Tamaki Dr, Auckland CDB
