Walks

The Mangawhai and Te Arai regions boast a wide range of walks to meet every skill and fitness level. From short 20 minute walks with rewarding panoramic views over the inner estuary to more challenging cliff, bush and sand dune walks.

Take a strenuous hike up a range of waterfalls through native bush to an ancient Kauri dam or a more leisurely walk around the estuary or a stroll along some of the region’s amazing white sandy beaches. Routes and itineraries can be custom-made to guests’ requirements with maps and directions provided. Guided walks can be arranged together with picnic packs and provisions by prior request. POA.

Some of our favourite walks include:

Mangawhai Cliff Walk

One of New Zealand’s great coastal and short walks. This walk provides breathtaking coastal views that extend from Bream Head in the north down to the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the south. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea are often seen on the horizon.

The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes to a lookout point. It then winds past ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the sheer slopes before descending to the stony beach below. From here you can walk back along the beach (8 km), but only at low tide.

2 - 3 hours

The Tanekaha Tracks

The Tanekaha Tracks on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills is one of the premier walking destinations in the North Island. Largely on public land, these spectacular walks have been developed by local volunteers and vary from ridge walks, to stream sides and waterfalls, to spectacular forest.

Currently four tracks make up a series of loops all beginning and ending at the King Road car park, giving flexibility regarding length and difficulty. After crossing a short swing bridge you will pass through a lush kanuka/tanekaha forest with groves of tree ferns and nikau palms. Depending on what track you take there are a plethora of pristine waterfalls and streams along the way, the remains of a kauri dam and great views out to the Mangawhai hinterland and sand dunes.

1 - 2 hours

Mangawhai Sand Dune Walk

Walking the deserted golden sands of the Mangawhai sand dunes starting from the Pacific Road beach car-park is a truely unique experience. From the car-park you will walk approximately 40 minutes along a pristine white sand beach with the crystal clear waters with the Pacific Ocean lapping at your feet. Approximately 40 minutes down the beach you will see the moonscape of the Mangawhai Sand Dune on your left. Climbing to the top is an exhilarating experience and well worth the effort with spectacular views at the top out to the Mangawhai coast, estuary, headlands and Tara It Golf Course.

Along the way you will see the Fairy Tern sanctuary marked by the Department of Conservation. The Fairy Tern bird is a hidden treasure within the dunes and with approximately 40 birds left is an endangered and protected species and a real highlight to look out for during your walk.

2 hours

Te Arai Reserve Walk

Only 7mins drive from Te Arai Lodge you will find the Te Arai Reserve Beach. From the beach car-park you can walk up the steep iconic ridge, taking a sharp right along a grassy track to the top of the climb and Trig. Passing through native bush you will gradually head down into the pine forest on the other side to the equally beautiful Forestry Beach. Make sure to keep your eyes open with spectacular views to be had at the top of the ridge out to the coast while hidden depressions south of the ridge hide special treasures, the remains of three freshwater sand lakes, only one of which has extensive open water.

There are several tracks and lookout points along the way. Make sure to visit the shell cove at Te Arai Point to collect a beautiful memento at the end of your walk or cool off with a swim in the crystal clear pacific ocean.

1-2 hours