Mt Manaia Track, Whangārei Heads

The bush-clad mountain dominates the landscape and is irresistible to hikers who appreciate a dramatic view.

Where is it?

The track starts just above the car park next to the Mt Manaia Club on Whangārei Heads Rd above McLeod Bay, 28km east of Whangārei.

Terrain

Moderate fitness is needed, because of the steady climbing – but it’s a good track and worth the effort. The lookouts have no safety barriers, so stay well away from the drop-offs and supervise children. On your return, consider heading straight to McLeod Bay for a swim.

Need to know

No dogs

2hr return; 4km return, via same track

Moderate fitness required

Steady and steep climb

TRACK OVERVIEW

The track to Mt Manaia summit is a steady climb in the shade of regenerated native bush through groves of nīkau palms and kauri stands with glimpses of northern rātā hanging from pōhutukawa. The wide gravel path changes to wooden steps in the steepest parts and stops, occasionally, at lookouts on natural rocky outcrops. Thick native forest blankets the terrain, which rises to peaks and falls to deep valleys in mysterious folds punctuated with steep bluffs.

Close to the 420m-high peak, the gradient gets steeper and views get more impressive. From the top, the vista takes in Whangārei Harbour, the Hen and Chicken Islands, Bream Bay and the Hauraki Gulf.

Mt Manaia © Northland Tourism

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