Plus one city club we couldn’t miss

Ready to lace up and find your running tribe? Auckland’s North Shore and Hibiscus Coast is absolutely stacked with incredible running communities, each with their own unique flavor and vibe. Whether you’re a couch-to-5K dreamer or chasing PBs like your life depends on it, these clubs will welcome you with open arms (and probably some friendly banter about your choice of running shoes).

1. Night Ninjas – The Ultimate Running Family

When they run: EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. From 5:15 AM early bird sessions to 7:15 PM evening adventures. You can check out or run schedule here https://nightninjas.run/current-club-runs/

Where to find them: Multiple North Shore spots – Orewa Estuary Boat Ramp (their main hub), Millwater Metro Park, Manly Sailing Club, Long bay reserve. Come Saturday there’s always someone in ninja orange at Millwater, Sherwood, Northern Parkway and Hobsonville Point ParkRuns.

What makes them special: Started as “a few dads sneaking out after putting kids to bed” and has grown into New Zealand’s fastest growing affiliated running club with 200+ members.
Their motto says it all: “From couch to 200k, Park Run to New Zealand champs” – these legends truly welcome everyone.

The Night Ninjas rock those distinctive bright orange vests and have runs for every pace imaginable. Want a gentle 6-10K Tuesday evening social run? They’ve got you. Feeling brave enough for a 28K+ Sunday morning Waiwera Loop with experienced runners? Yep, that’s there too. Plus, they’re crushing it competitively – in 2024 they scored multiple podium finishes at Gold Coast Marathon! Local Matters.

They’re also balanced across distance, road and trial running with ninjas competing at Tarawera Miler, Swiss Alps, UTMB and The World Backyard Ultra. As well as Berlin, Chicago and Auckland Marathons.

Join the pack:
Insta: @nightninjas.run
Email contact@nghtninjas.run
Web: nightninjas.run

2. Monday Underground – The Kiwi Legends with Character

When they run: Mondays! Winter series 6:40 PM (walkers), 7:00 PM (runners) Mondayunderground | Summer series 6:10-6:30 PM

Where to find them: The famous “crack in the pavement” outside Northcote Tavern, 37 Queen Street, Northcote Point

What makes them special: Over 20 years of pure grassroots Kiwi running culture. These absolute legends start their winter runs from an actual crack in the pavement and finish at a bus shelter Strava – it’s peak New Zealand ingenuity and we’re totally here for it.

With 180+ regular participants and a strong post-run tradition of “sweet nectar at the Northcote Tavern,” Monday Underground perfectly captures that unique blend of fitness and fun that makes running communities special. The winter series is completely FREE, and their summer “Tavern Fun Run” adds spot prizes to keep things spicy.

Join the collective:
Insta: @mondayunderground
Email: mondayundergroundnz@gmail.com
Web: Mondayunderground

3. OTB Friday Run Club – Live Life Outside the Box

When they run: Every Friday Instagram at 6:00 AM sharp

Where to find them: Milford Beach Reserve, 63 Milford Road, Milford

What makes them special: If you’re the type who believes the best part of Friday starts before most people’s alarms go off, this is your crew. With stunning coastal views of Rangitoto Island and access to the beautiful Milford-Takapuna pathway, these early risers know how to start their weekend right.

The “live life outside the box” philosophy isn’t just a catchy slogan – it’s about breaking conventional boundaries and thinking differently about fitness. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about having your run done and dusted before most people have had their first coffee. The nearly 2,000 Instagram followers prove this Friday morning magic is catching on.

Box-free zone: Follow: @otb_runclub on Instagram

P.S. The three founders are ninjas 😉

4. Bays Athletics – Track Excellence at AUT Millennium

When they run: Fridays 5:15 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM
Where to find them: AUT Millennium, 17 Antares Place, Rosedale
What makes them special: Based at New Zealand’s premier athletics facility since 1978, North Harbour Bays Athletics offers the full package – from 5-year-olds taking their first athletic steps to Masters athletes chasing records year-round.

What sets Bays apart is their world-class facilities and professional coaching structure. We’re talking about access to Olympic-standard tracks, an indoor sports hall, and coaches who are all police-vetted members of Athletics New Zealand’s accreditation system. Whether you’re into sprints, distance, jumps, or throws, they’ve got programs from social participation through to high-performance training.

Track your progress:
Email: club@autmillennium.org.nz
Phone: 09 477 2035
Web: Baysathletics

5. Owairaka Athletics – Where Legends Are Born

Ok, OK, not on the shore but we can’t ignore our buddies over at Owai.
So close to Arthur Lydiard‘s house (the birth place of New Zealand Olympic distance running success

When they run: Tuesday & Thursday track sessions 5:55 PM, plus various junior programs.

Where to find them: Lovelock Track, 744 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill

What makes them special: This is where Sir Peter Snell and Sir Murray Halberg trained under the legendary Arthur Lydiard back in the day. Founded in 1943, Owairaka Athletics is basically New Zealand running royalty, Wikipedia and they’re still living up to that legacy with their “New Zealand’s friendliest athletics club” tagline. Facebook

The Tuesday and Thursday senior distance sessions are led by coach Bazyl Piotrowski and run for up to 90 minutes, welcoming everyone from 800m runners to marathon training enthusiasts.

Sure, it’s a bit of a trek from the North Shore, but when you’re training where Olympic champions once ran, the journey becomes part of the story.

Legend status:
Insta: | @teamowai
Phone: 021 1500 631
Web: owairakaathletics.co.nz

Ready to Run?

Each of these clubs brings something unique to Auckland’s incredible running scene. Whether you’re drawn to the daily accessibility of Night Ninjas, the quirky character of Monday Underground, the scenic early morning vibes of OTB, the professional facilities at Bays Athletics, or the historic legacy of Owairaka, there’s a perfect running family waiting for you.