Te Aute: Auckland’s Hardest Climb
Te Aute: Auckland’s Hardest Climb
Te Aute: Auckland’s Hardest Climb. From the moment you enter Te Aute Road, from Bethells Road, it’s a black tsunami. Don’t be fooled by the length of the climb, it’s only just over 900 metres. 900 metres of hell. There are no other words to describe it. The first 20 metres are a mere 7%, but for the next 300 metres it ranges between 15-46%. There’s a small amount of rest in the middle section back down to 9%, and then it goes steeper once again.
Te Aute is like a football hooligan shouting “Come on then, if you think you’re hard enough” While most are, there are quite a few that don’t make it. Don’t be ashamed if you don’t , you’ll be in great company. I would advise a compact crank and large cassette, especially if you’re edging near 50 and want to save your knees.
Its average gradient os 18%, but the last 100 metres are flat, the middle and first sections relatively easy. It’s just the rest that makes it terrifying. The Strava times range from 5 minutes to a snail like 26 minutes. Most sit comfortably under 11 minutes, though.
Roads Like Te Aute would never be allowed to be built these days. Yet here it is. A fairly smooth tarmac seal. I’m still unsure how exactly they manage to seal it. Most cars only just about make it up there, let alone a full road laying machine. When you consider that Dunedin’s Baldwin Street is said to be one of the world’s steepest streets, Te Aute makes that look like a false flat.
Getting there
It’s pretty easy to get to Te Aute Road, just head out along the North Western Motorway towards Henderson. Take the turning for Lincoln Rd, and then right along Universal Drive. Get to the next roundabout and head towards Swanson. Go through Swanson towards te Henga/Bethells Road, via Scenic Drive. Follow Bethells road for 4km and the just as the fire station appears on your left, make that turning. And if you’re driving, not riding, you can park your car on the right hand side.
