In the suburb of Welcome Bay, located 7 km southeast of Tauranga, there’s some pleasant running in two Johnson Reserve and the smaller Waioraka Reserve.
Johnson Reserve has a 1.9 km gravel walking track following streams, wetland areas, native bush and open grassed areas. It’s a nice shade option on a hot day. NOTE: Some trail closures in Johnson Reserve in 2025.
There’s also decent running in Waioraka Reserve. The main track is 1 km, and is pleasantly green and shaded as it passes between Owens Park and Riverstone Park. It’s a wide, gravel trail with easy footing.
It’s possible to combine these two areas: they’re 1.2 km apart, using Welcome Bay Rd., which has a narrow but runnable sidewalk and some nice bay views. This would make for an ~8 km run.
In the suburb of Welcome Bay, located 7 km southeast of Tauranga, there’s some pleasant running in two Johnson Reserve and the smaller Waioraka Reserve.
Johnson Reserve has a 1.9 km gravel walking track following streams, wetland areas, native bush and open grassed areas. It’s a nice shade option on a hot day. NOTE: Some trail closures in Johnson Reserve in 2025.
There’s also decent running in Waioraka Reserve. The main track is 1 km, and is pleasantly green and shaded as it passes between Owens Park and Riverstone Park. It’s a wide, gravel trail with easy footing.
It’s possible to combine these two areas: they’re 1.2 km apart, using Welcome Bay Rd., which has a narrow but runnable sidewalk and some nice bay views. This would make for an ~8 km run.
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