Mangawhai Cliff Walk

The Mangawhai Cliff Walkway is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Located in the Waipu area of Northland, New Zealand, this walkway offers a unique opportunity to journey over beaches and cliff tops, through farmlands and native forests to discover views that reach all the way down to the Hauraki Gulf. The walkway is part of the national walkway system and is considered one of the best coastal walks in New Zealand.

The walk starts at the Mangawhai surf beach, where there is a parking lot that can get quite full in summer. Visitors can enjoy a lovely stroll along a semi-dark beach for about 20 minutes before turning inland where signposts will lead them on a steep upward climb to the cliff top. As visitors wind their way along the ridgeline, they can marvel at the native nikau, pohutukawa, and taraire trees that cling to the almost sheer slopes below. They can also stop to check out the 'giant staircase,' a natural rock amphitheater carved from the hillside just below the track. At the highpoint of the ridgeline, breathtaking panoramic views stretch from Bream Head all the way down to the Hauraki Gulf and the offshore islands.

The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is 9 km return via the same track, and it takes about three hours to complete the whole loop. Visitors can also opt to walk back along the beach (at low tide) for the return journey. It is essential to note that the section linking Mangawhai Walk and Cove Road is closed from 1 September to 31 October each year for lambing and calving. Dogs are not permitted on this walk as it is a Kiwi Protected Zone. In conclusion, the Mangawhai Cliff Walkway is an excellent destination for those who love nature, hiking, and stunning views.