Enjoy 360 degree views over Whangarei Harbour, Bream Head, Mount Manaia and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. This page contains information about the walkway at Mount Aubrey in the Whangarei Heads area.
Updated:
12/11/2012 3:02 p.m.
Mount Aubrey is a bushclad ridge and scenic reserve rising above the settlement of McLeod Bay with views over the inner harbour and out towards the harbour entrance.
It's steep slopes are covered with native bush and there are a number of large rock outcrops. It is part of the remains of an ancient chain of volcanoes in the area, which included Mount Manaia.
Mount Aubrey takes its name from Harcourt Richard Aubrey, who came to Whangarei from London in 1840. In 1848 he became the Resident Magistrate, Collector of Customs and Emigration Officer for Whangarei and Postmaster for Whangarei Heads.
What's special about Mount Aubrey
The 360 degree views from the ridge and peaks of Mount Aubrey are breathtaking. From here, the whole of the Whangarei Harbour can be seen, together with the Marsden Bay port and the oil refinery. Pataua and the Pacific coastline can be seen to the east together with Mount Manaia and the Whangarei Heads to the south.
This track links with the Reotahi Coastal Walkway to form a longer, circular walk.
Track description
| Reotahi to Munro Bay via Mount Aubrey |
3 |
1 hour each way |
1500 metres |
From the Tiller Park car park on the outskirts of the Reotahi settlement, the track passes through 2 large rocks and climbs the hill. This is quite a steep climb with many steps up to the top ridge. A seat at half way gives an opportunity to rest and admire the views over McLeod Bay and Mount Manaia.
The track continues along the ridge but a minor detour to the right up onto a rock dome and a trig point is well worthwhile, for those prepared to brave the short climb off the track. Caution is recommended. The views from this point are spectacular.
Returning to the track, it skirts the rocky spires and outcrops before descending more gently through an extensive area of puriri and totara trees. After winding its way almost to the sea level, the track comes to a ‘T’ junction with the Reotahi Coastal Walkway. From here, turn left to Little Munro Bay (300 metres) or right towards Reotahi (1100 metres back to the carpark).
For information about the Reotahi Coastal Walkway, follow the link below.
Reotahi Coastal Walkway
What to expect on the Mount Aubrey walkway
- a well maintained and signposted track with a large number of steps.
- it is mostly metalled other than along the ridge, where the grass is maintained short.
- there are 360 degree panoramic views, enhanced by a short detour and climb off the track to a vantage point.
The track is popular with both locals and visitors and can be extended to include Reotahi. There is a café, ‘The Deck’, at the northern end of Reotahi Road, in McLeod Bay.
To download and print a map of the walkway, follow the link below.
Mount Aubrey and Reotahi walkways map [162.9kb]
How to get to Mount Aubrey
Follow the route from Whangarei signposted to the aiport and Whangarei Heads. Just past the shopping centre in Onerahi, turn left onto Whangarei Heads Road.
The scenic drive runs along the edge of Whangarei harbour through the settlements of Waikaraka, Tamaterau and Parua Bay.
After approximately 13 kms, take a right turn at the junction signposted to Whangarei Heads and follow the road through McLeod Bay.
As you leave McLeod Bay, turn right off the Whangarei Heads Road into Reotahi Road. There is a dedicated car park at Tiller Park, 600 metres on the left, from where the northern end of the track starts.
The track can also be reached at its southern end from the Reotahi Coastal Walkway. Car parking is also available at Reotahi and at Little Munro Bay.