SNELLS BEACH, ALGIES BAY & MARTINS BAY

Mahurangi Peninsula is located just a 10-minute drive from Warkworth and is a small collection of coastal communities and regional parks. With breathtaking views out across to Kawau Island, the Mahurangi Peninsula is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers and families looking to settle permanently in the area.

Snells Beach - By Dominey Flores

Scotts Landing - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

When it comes to beaches and parks, the Mahurangi Peninsula is bursting at the seams. are a couple of different spots along the beach that allow camping for selfcontained vehicles.

As you make your way along the peninsula, the first beach that you will reach is Snells Beach. There is great swimming a couple of hours on either side of high tide, and when the tide is out, the shallow waters create a fantastic playground for young ones. There Algies Bay is located just a couple of minutes drive past Snells Beach. With shelter provided by the Tawharanui Peninsula and Kawau Island, the calm, clear waters offer safe swimming for three hours on either side of high tide.

Scotts Landing - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

SCOTTS LANDING

As you head up over the hill past Algies Bay, a detour off to your right will take you to historic Scotts Landing. Now part of Mahurangi Regional Park, Scotts Landing used to be the commercial gateway to Warkworth and the surrounding area. The restored homestead sits centre stage on the waterfront and is surrounded by a public reserve with shady Macrocarpa trees. The shallow waters overlooking Mahurangi West are perfect for little ones in need of cooling off.

Scandrett Regional Park - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

SCANDRETT REGIONAL PARK

Scandrett Regional Park is located just 3km past Algies Bay and is a wonderful way to experience a slice of Kiwi history. Not only are there Maori pa sites situated in the park, but the original homestead and farm buildings dating back to the late-1800s have been lovingly restored for the public to enjoy. There are three restored Kiwi baches at Scandrett available to rent from the Auckland Regional Council. With the water right at your front door and the farm behind you, these provide the quintessential Kiwi summer holiday experience. There are also four self-contained vehicle spots available for one night each.

WALKING TRACKS

Scandrett Regional Park has two main loop tracks that take you through historical and current farmland. The Kawau Bay Track and the Mullet Point Track are approximately one hour in duration and have stunning views back along Scandrett Bay. In addition, a couple of shorter tracks throughout the park lead to lookouts and historic sites, and even a short trail that takes you over to neighbouring Martins Bay.

SADDLERS POINT

SANDSPIT AND BRICK BAY

The last stop on your drive along the Peninsula is Martins Bay. With a water ski lane at the northern end and easy access to Kawau Island, Martins Bay is popular with boaties launching straight from the beach. There are plenty of shady Pohutukawa’s to settle in under for the day and a fantastic holiday park right by the beach, which has just as many facilities for boaties as it does for families.

If you are lucky enough to have access to a boat, then you will be able to explore some of the most remote areas of the Mahurangi Regional Park. Saddlers Point consists of two beaches - Lagoon Beach and Big Bay - both only accessible by boat. Lagoon Beach is located on the peninsula’s west coast and looks back across to Sullivans Bay at Mahurangi West. There is a campground with minimal facilities and a house available to rent that caters to a maximum of eight people. Big Bay is located on the East Coat and overlooks Motuora Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Whilst there are no camping facilities at Big Bay, a house is available to rent just a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Sandspit is more than just the gateway to Kawau Island. It is also home to a fantastic waterfront holiday park and a bustling marina and yacht club. Around the headland from Sandspit towards the South is one of the area’s hidden gems - Brick Bay. This quiet, white sand beach is accessed by following the road towards Sandspit and turning off onto Brick Bay Drive once you pass the Sandspit Marina. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a sheltered beach with shallow, clear waters that are perfect for kayaking and swimming. Whilst there are public toilets at Brick Bay, that’s where the facilities end, so be sure to pack a picnic for the day. There is no camping at Brick Bay, however, there is the holiday park just a 5-minute drive over the hill at Sandspit.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Sailing The Sandspit Yacht Club is located at the Sandspit Marina and boasts over 500 members across four divisions – Centreboard, Sailing, Sport Fishing and Power Boat.

Algies Bay is also home to the Sandspit Junior Sailing Club, and several regattas are held here throughout the year. Fishing The sheltered waters of Kawau Bay provide some of the best fishing in the area. Both Martins Bay and Algies Bay have free boat ramps and from there, you can easily make your way across to Kawau and the surrounding islands. Scandrett Regional Park is your go-to spot for fishing from the mainland. The rocks at Mullet Point can be accessed via the rocks at low tide and are often dotted with anglers trying to land a Kingfish or Snapper.