Mangawhai Heads Lookout walk

The Mangawhai Heads Lookout is a short climb for spectatular coastal views of the estuary, Wildlife Refuge Bird Santuary sand spit, surf beach and outlying islands.

This walk can be combined with a walk along the surf beach or descend from the car park to Picnic Bay.

The distance is .08km there and back. Allow 16 minutes. Track: easy.

The track is popular for walkers, hikers and runners. Dogs must be on a leash.

To get there: On arriving at Mangawhai continue along Molesworth Drive, a road that winds through Mangawhai, turn right into Mangawhai Heads Road and then left into Wintle Street to the Surf Club carpark.

In mid summer the surf beach is very popular and parking can be at a premium. ■

Above: Looking out to sea from the top of the Mangawhai Heads Lookout. Below right: Looking back to the carpark with the start of the Jean Goldsmidt Track towards the right.

Below far left and middle: The popular surf beach and where the Clifftop Walkway begins considered one of the finest coastal walks in the country.