Mount Manaia

Mount Manaia is one of a cluster of majestic, jagged, bush-covered maunga formed by ancient volcanic activity overlooking the entrance to Whangārei Harbour.

Rising 420 metres above the harbour entrance, Mount Manaia’s dramatic silhouette and distinctive rock formations create one of the most iconic views in the district.

Mount Manaia holds special cultural and spiritual significance for Māori.

Parking

Car parking is available in the Mount Manaia Club’s lower carpark on Whangārei Heads Road, above McLeod Bay.

What to expect

Impressive from the summit.
Native bush.
The track includes many flights of steps.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

Mount Manaia Track

Grade: 3
Time: 2 hours (two-way)
Distance: 4km (two-way)

This is a vigorous, one-hour ascent up well-maintained tracks, through beautiful native forest.

The summit provides a breathtaking 360-degree vista, including the harbour, Bream Bay, Hen and Chicken Islands, and out to the ocean.

The track surface is a mix of gravel path and wooden steps. Respect this wāhi tapu (sacred place) and keep to the marked tracks.

This is a Department of Conservation track.

Mount Manaia track (doc.govt.nz)

Location

Whangarei Heads Road, Whangārei 0174 View Map

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Park or reserve snapshot

Features

Coastal
Dogs prohibited
Shaded areas
Walks - paved

Trail grades

1 - A well made path with easy access for most people including families.

2 - A short walk generally on well made path but may include steeper sections.

3 - A longer walking track usually well made including steps and more suitable for people with reasonable fitness.

Information and Maps

Mount Manaia Track - DoC website

Where can I take my dog?

Find on-leash dog walks and off-leash areas, and check our online map for dog-access rules across the District:

Where can I take my dog?