Situated between two bays on the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is a Beta World City known for its culture and commerce. It’s geographic location on a rainforested, volcano-speckled isthmus, make it a world-class destination for business or pleasure. Our guide to running in Auckland incorporates the city’s unique natural setting, with harbors on the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Auckland is a great city for running. With pristine city parks, beautiful beaches, and paved paths winding through skyline and coastal views, Auckland offers running routes of all stripes and colors. The highlights of running in Auckland 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.
Buses are the main form of public transport in Auckland, though there’s an extensive ferry system, and rail that goes to the suburbs. Most of our central Auckland routes can be accessed without a car, though you’ll need one to make it out to the bush routes.
With record levels of sunshine and relatively mild temperatures year-round, Auckland is a great running destination in any month. The subtropical climate experiences warm humid summers and mild damp winters. Average high temps in summer (January) are 24C (75F), with cool-ish nights. In winter, average high temperatures are 14C (mid-50s), and lows in the mid-40s, so you’ll need a layer. Rainfall is plentiful year-round, especially in winter. Locals say the best part of the day for a run is early morning, before the sea breeze kicks up.