NORTHLAND
MANGAWHAI CLIFFS WALKWAY 8
A visit to the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway provides you with 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 can often be seen on the horizon.
Where is it? Mangawhai is located on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, 20 minutes from Waipū or 30 minutes from Wellsford. Access to the track is from the Kaipara District Council car park near the Mangawhai Surf Lifesaving Club at the end of Wintle St.
Terrain Moderate fitness is required as this is a steep climb with many steps but persevere and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views when you reach the top.
The track linking Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway and Cove Rd is closed from 1 Sept–31 October for lambing and calving. The coastal section of the track is unformed, rough and rocky. Walk the return loop (8km) along the beach only at low tide – check tide timetables before you go at metservice.com
BELOW: Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway © Getty Images
TOKATOKA SCENIC RESERVE TRACK 9
2-3hr return; 9km via same track Moderate fitness required Steep climb; many steps No dogs
TRACK OVERVIEW 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, but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property. From the top the view of the beaches below is amazing, and you can sometimes spot large schools of fish being chased by passing whales or schools of sharks. Once you descend to the beach the reward of a cooling dip is a must before the final journey through the archway formed by a unique rock formation leads you on the home stretch along the sandy beach.
Thrusting up beside the serpentine Wairoa River, this short steep walk provides walkers with impressive views.
Where is it? Tokatoka Rd, 17km south of Dargaville, Northland.
Terrain Steep, well-formed tracks, slippery after rain. ABOVE: Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Track © Northland Tourism
No dogs, unless you have a DOC permit 40min return; 700m Medium fitness required Steep walk
TRACK OVERVIEW Stride to the top of Mt Tokatoka for phenomenal 360-degree views of the river, the countryside, Kaipara Harbour and the distant ranges. Follow the short, steep path up what was once a volcanic plug, the aftermath of an ancient eruption. You’ll feel on top of the world when you summit. Possibly a challenge for those who aren’t comfortable with heights, but well worth the effort. The mountain holds special significance to the people of Ngāti Whātua who believe Tokatoka is one of several mountains that made their way to Aotearoa from Hawaiki. One of the group, Manaia, made its way to the Whangārei Heads while another mountain was drowned in the Waiora River. Fearful of meeting a similar fate, Tokatoka and neighbouring Maungaraho decided to err on the side of caution and move no further. Back down at river level you’ll find the Tokatoka Tavern, where food and cool beverages can be enjoyed.
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