MAHURANGI PENINSULA

Turning right at the infamous Warkworth intersection will take you to Mahurangi Pennisula and a treasure trove of safe family beaches and exceptional walking tracks. This area comprises various coastal communities and regional parks. The slower pace will help you rediscover a laid-back quintessential Kiwi holiday. Plenty of playgrounds both manufactured as well as handcrafted by nature, have unbeatable views. The beaches in this area almost seem purpose-built for paddleboarding or kayaking and for little legs to splash around. You can safely walk along the beachfront from one end to the other at low tide. Starting at Sandspit through to Martins Bay is 8.5kms one way, so ensure that you have someone ready and waiting at the other end to pick you up. The walk is relatively easy with a few rock and stream crossings; the path is unmarked. If the entire walk sounds daunting, you can make it shorter by just starting on whichever beach you are currently on; just keep an eye on the tide.

Brick Bay is the first secret spot you will encounter, as you must take the road to Sandspit to reach it. Sandspit is a bustling marina where you can jump on board a ferry and cruise over to Kawau – it also has an excellent playground for kids of all ages and plenty of green grass to run around on. There is a beachfront Holiday Park if you decide to stay in the area. However, if you venture up Brick Bay Drive, you are treated to a quiet bay with open green space perfect for picnics. Brick Bay has public toilets. The path leads you down to an epic climbing tree, with a rope swing, gentle waters and fantastic rock pools to find all sorts of treasures.

Photo: Snells Beach - by Dominey Flores

Snells Beach is the area’s central hub and where you will find a little supermarket, takeaway shops, and restaurants. We suggest stocking up on essentials here, as the rest of the coast provides slim pickings. Snells Beach is a long curved beach with views out to Kawau, and kids can scooter or bike on the path that runs along the waterfront from playground to playground. There are public toilets in a few spots along the way. High tide swimming is best, but low tide reveals plenty of rock pools to explore.

Photo: Algies Bay - by Dominey Flores

Algies Bay is the next family-friendly bay you will encounter. As it faces east, the sunrises are spectacular, and there is no better spot to observe than from the top of Highfield Garden Reserve. Pack a breakfast picnic and plenty of hot drinks, after seeing the day in; you can wander down and visit the donkeys in residence – don’t forget to bring them a healthy treat. Several pathways lead you down to the safe shores of Algies Bay from Highfield Reserve. The bay is best enjoyed for two hours on either side of high tide.

Photos: Scotts Landing - by Dominey Flores

The entrance to Scotts Landing is just as charming as the beach; walking on the boardwalk you are greeted with a glimpse of the historic Scott Homestead. This sheltered bay looks back onto Mahurangi West. If you time it right with a low tide, you can walk to tiny Casnell Island and spend time exploring – just ensure you make it back before the tide sweeps away your escape route! Sandspit wharf is a great place to fish with kids; just be aware of where the boats are and move your lines when they come in.