The bush covered Waitakere Range to the West of Auckland is home to an extensive network of walking tracks but there is only one short trail that is available to mountain bikers. It's the shared Beveridge Track which follows a level gravel road that runs alongside an old water pipeline for about half its length. Then it becomes a well surfaced gravel path that rises quite steeply to the Arataki Visitors Centre.
It's an out-and-back ride of 12km - 6km each way. It takes you through some nice regenerating native forest and is an oasis of calm compared to the busy roads nearby. There are some good views to the south across a dam and the Manukau harbour. The downtown high-rise area and Rangitoto Island are visible from the top viewpoint where you can buy an icecream (very sugary and not recommended). It's worth checking out the well appointed visitors centre which has loads of information on the Waitakere Ranges. The ride back to the start is downhill all the way...
The Beveridge Track is not technical. It gives you quite a good workout on the way up. Don't rush back down as it's popular with walkers and runners and there are lots of them at peak exercise hours.
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