Last updated November 2026
The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is a DOC coastal walk at Mangawhai Heads with sweeping ocean views, old pōhutukawa, nīkau and a white-sand beach, and it forms part of Te Araroa. DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows 2–3 hours return for the 8.4 km return walk, and there are steep ups and downs with lots of steps.
You start from the Mangawhai Heads car park at the end of Wintle Street and follow the beach north to the walkway sign. At low and mid tide you can make a loop back along the beach from a natural rock archway.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Mangawhai Heads car park, end of Wintle Street; walkway sign about 20 minutes north along the beach
- Distance from the city
- About 44 km from Whangārei (DOC gives about 1 hour by car)
- Walking time
- 2–3 hours return
- Track length
- 8.4 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate, with steep sections and many steps
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Facilities
- Toilets, accessible toilets, picnic tables and free parking at Mangawhai Heads car park; no drinking water
- Part of
- Te Araroa
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway
From the car park, walk north along Mangawhai Heads Beach for about 1.2 km (20 minutes one way). DOC says this stretch is passable at any tide, on sand with a little scrambling around two rocky points. The walkway sign is on your left.
The cliff walkway itself is about 3 km (1 hour 10 minutes one way). The gravel track climbs steeply to a viewpoint, with steps in places, then runs past nīkau palms and ancient pōhutukawa perched on sheer slopes.
At the far end you look north to Te Whara/Bream Head before a steep descent, with plenty of steps, to the coast and a natural rock archway.
Along the way DOC lists views of Te Whara/Bream Head, Taranga/Hen Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island. DOC adds that Aotea/Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula are often visible on the horizon in clear weather.
The walkway crosses private land, so keep to the track. Te Uri o Hau hold mana whenua here.
Returning Along the Beach
At low and mid tide you can walk from the rock archway back along Mangawhai Heads Beach to the car park, about 4.8 km or 1 hour one way.
DOC says this section is impassable at high tide; if water is surging through the archway, go back over the cliff walkway instead. The coastal section is rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy footwear.
To make the beach return, DOC suggests starting your walk 2 to 3 hours before low tide. Check tide times and the forecast before you set off.
Track Hazards
DOC warns of steep drops along the cliff walkway, so keep children close and watch for loose gravel at the edge. The cliffs on the coastal section contain loose, unstable material, so stay away from cliff faces. Wasps may be present; bring antihistamines if you are allergic.
There is no drinking water and no rubbish bins, and mobile coverage can be unreliable. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Birds and History
Kererū, known locally as kūkupa, feed on nīkau berries here, and kākā occasionally visit from offshore islands. From the beach you may see fluttering shearwaters, red-billed gulls and gannets. DOC notes that critically threatened New Zealand fairy terns (tara iti) nest nearby on Mangawhai Spit.
DOC explains that Ngāti Whātua chief Te Whai lived here at Manga, “where the rivers meet”, in the 1800s, which is the origin of the name Mangawhai.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Kaipara District Council: local roads, parks and reserves in the Kaipara district.
LINZ tide predictions: official tide times for New Zealand ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway take?
DOC allows 2–3 hours. The beach to the walkway sign is about 20 minutes, the cliff walkway about 1 hour 10 minutes one way, and the beach return about 1 hour.
Where do I park?
At Mangawhai Heads car park at the end of Wintle Street. DOC says parking is free for cars and campervans, but it gets very busy from November to April.
Can I walk back along the beach?
Only at low and mid tide. DOC suggests starting 2 to 3 hours before low tide, and returning over the cliff track if water is surging through the archway.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate, and there are steep ups and downs with lots of steps.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the walkway as no dogs.
Are there toilets?
Yes. Toilets and accessible toilets are at Mangawhai Heads car park. There is no drinking water, so bring your own.
Is it part of Te Araroa?
Yes. DOC notes the link track between Cove Road and the walkway closes every year from 1 September to 31 October for lambing and calving.
Do I need to book?
No. DOC says bookings are not required.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.