We’ve passed through Mangawhai Heads a few times but never properly stopped. This time we did and it ended up being one of those easy, feel-good stops that just works.
We stayed at a Park Over Property just outside of town, close enough to head in and out without any hassle.
On the way in, we spotted a local food caravan parked by the roundabout. In true Tohu style, we pulled over. She had a deal going, 2 pies and a sweet for $20 and it was well worth it. Simple, filling and good quality.
Further down the road we stopped at Bennett’s of Mangawhai, dangerous territory if you like chocolate. We kept it under control with one block of dark chocolate. They’ve also got a small café and bakery there if you want to sit for a bit.
Mangawhai itself isn’t a big town, but it’s got what you need. There’s a large New World for stocking up, a 4 Square further in, a few cafés, a fun second-hand shop and even a skate park. We stopped for the oversized skateboard more than anything else. There’s also a Gull petrol station that’s known for sharp pricing, which helps when fuel is all over the place.
What We Did
The main reason we stopped here was for the Mangawhai Cliff Walk and that’s where this place really stands out apart from great surf beaches.
We parked at the main carpark by Mangawhai Heads Beach and started along the beach before heading up.
The climb is short but steep. You’ll feel it, but it doesn’t last long. Once you’re up, it levels out and the track becomes a lot more relaxed.
The path winds along the coastline with pōhutukawa trees stretching out in all directions. Some sections run close to the edge, but the track is well formed and never felt unsafe.
At the far end, there’s a descent down toward the highlight of the walk, the natural arch. It’s a decent set of stairs and we made it down in time to grab a few photos but we got our timing wrong with the tide.
By the time we reached the end, the tide was already coming in, so walking back along the beach wasn’t an option. That meant turning around and heading back up those stairs… which we definitely felt.
What Stood Out
The mix of coastal track and native trees.
Those pōhutukawa lining the path are something else, twisted trunks, low branches and just doing their own thing. It feels raw and real, not overdone.
Also, the walk itself changes depending on the tide. If you time it right, you get that full loop experience. If not, you’re doing it twice like we did. Still worth it, just a bit more of a workout.
Tohu Tip & Local Knowledge
- Check the tide times — this is key. If you want to loop back along the beach, you need to time it right. We missed it by an hour and had to double back
- Short but steep climb — take your time heading up, it doesn’t last long
- Start from Mangawhai Heads Beach carpark — easy access and clear starting point
- Track is well formed — but there are sections near the edge, so just stay aware if heights aren’t your thing
- No water on the track — bring what you need, especially on a warm day
- Fuel stop — the Gull station here is often one of the cheaper options around
- Dump station available — but no potable water, so fill up before you arrive
- Good grocery options — New World for a full shop, 4 Square for quick bits
Worth Adding to Your Trip
Mangawhai is an easy stop on the way north, but the cliff walk is the reason to pull in. Pair it with a slow afternoon in town, a swim, or just a good feed and you’ve got a solid half-day or overnight stop.
If you’re heading through Te Tai Tokerau – Northland in a campervan, this is an easy one to slot into your route without going out of your way.
Our Tohu Travellers itineraries and destination guides help you connect stops like this so your trip flows naturally, without having to think too hard about it.
“He ara iti, he ara nui.“
From small paths come big experiences.