Riverhead Forest is a pine plantation forest with a network of trails, used for the Auckland Trail Run and Walk Series. The event base is reached from Barlow Road, and the Google Maps point for event access is 476 Ararimu Valley Road.
Most of the courses run on clay, with some gravel road sections. The site says shoes with good tread are advised, and that the steeper and slippery parts can be tackled with a buddy. The short and mid courses are relatively gentle on the climbs, while the longer courses have steeper sections. Car parking is limited. Event participants are asked to wait for parking marshals and to attend the compulsory briefing. Events are cup-free, and participants can buy a collapsible silicone cup or a soft flask at registration.