( 2025-10-27 > )
Check out the current weather conditions for Mangawhai on MetService Radar or forecasts look at the animated on Ventusky and for local tides go to Met Service Tide at Mangawhai.
If you're still a long way north of Mangawhai and are planning your trip towards Mangawhai from the north
( Ruakaka, Uretiti Beach, Waipu ) At the top of Cullen Road, Waipu.
Te Waorahi Campsite - Waorahi Conservation have generously provided a free camping area with water and toilet.
This is situated part way along The Brynderwyn ridge, and is just off the DOC track. For more information
ALSO
Dragon Spell (a trail angel ) is up at the very end of the road - with an amazing view).
7.5 km south of the turn-off before Waipu, at the very end of Cullen Road (449.9 km on trail map).
Must contact first 027 507 7750 or cosmickali@gmail.com. Dragonspell is supported by koha
A lot of walkers are now choosing to avoid the Cullen Road section and instead take
The Coastal Route which is NOT part of the Te Araroa Trail ( yet?) but a nice deviation.
( The following is not a recommendation - just information - if you do choose this route )
From Cove Road/Cullen Road intersection.
There is an off-road walking and cycling track from Cullen Road to Waipu Cove
There are cabins in the campground and a great little restaurant "The Cove" opposite the beach at the the southern end of the village. There is a small general store at Waipu Cove.
From Waipu Cove to Langs Beach
the very beautiful off-road 45 minute COASTAL WALK starts across the road from The Cove
Walk across the stream and follow the track up the hill in a south easterly direction along the top of the cliffs.
From Langs Beach to reconnect with the Te Araroa Trail :
Walk along to about 70% of Langs beach to get back to the road by the lagoon by the public toilets.
You can avoid most of the 2.5 kms road walk between here and Bream Tail Road.
by following the road over the shord one way bridge and up the hill for 1.1 km to Seacrest Blvd/Margaret Way
From there , there is a NEW cycle/walkway in the bush parallel to the left side of the road ( about 10 metres in )
It comes out on Cove Road again to reconnect with the Te Araroa Trail at Bream Tail Road.
(It is very new and it difficult to see from the road but you can see it on google maps, Satellite view).
From Mangawhai Heads Surf Club to Mangawhai Village. 8kms.
It is possible to walk along the beach in front of the Mangawhai Heads Motor camp ( enter via the pedestrian walkway opposite Pearl Street) all the way to the staircase at the bottom of Wood Street - which is where the main Mangawhai Heads Shopping village is located.
Brewed As Cafe behind the shops is worth a visit. There is a Medical Centre , a Chemist, and 4 Square Supermarket here - among many other shops.
The biggest supermarket is New World in the new Mangawhai Central business area.
There is also a SuperValue Supermarket in Mangawhai Village ( Mangawhai Travellers Rest is across the road )
From there follow Molesworth Road up the hill and down the other side passing the Skate Park and the Museum and across the upper harbour on the new pedestrian/cycle way bridge.
After crossing the long wooden pedestrian bridge, note that the entrance to the Mangrove Boardwalk is at its southern end on the left. ( you could easily miss it ). This walkway through the marshlands and on top of a boardwalk in the mangroves is a peaceful alternative to the 2 kms of road-walking beside the busy Molesworth Road.
If you're intending to do your re-supply shopping at the New World Supermarket, it's best to cross the road before the big roundabout here.
If you're heading south from Mangawhai : To find out what the tide is doing,and be aware that the very rare fairy terns and other shore-birds are nesting along the beach during November..
Check Met Service to see what time the tide is in so that you know whether you'll be able to cross the river at Pakiri.