SATURDAY – GRADE 4 – max 20 people : An energetic bush walk over private covenanted land in the Brynderwyns where 43 Northland brown kiwi have been released since 2013. Learn about Marunui’s conservation work and kiwi care and brush up on your knowledge of native flora in the company of an experienced botanist. A great opportunity to appreciate the special values of mature bush – northern rata, nikau, puriri, kauri, climbers and epiphytes and various native birds. There are reminders of kauri logging days and Maori habitation and from Pa Hill you can enjoy expansive coastal and rural views. The walk concludes with afternoon tea. “Enjoyed immensely & impressed […]
Blokes Sheds
SATURDAY & SUNDAY GRADE 1: max 35 people What’s happening behind the 2018 shed doors? With all new sheds, open the door to see what’s inside! Visit some Mangawhai sheds where some good keen locals indulge in their passions. We had Sheila’s come along last year and welcome again but remember no talk of babies, cooking or dressmaking in the blokes sheds! “Great variety, all interesting & informative” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Very easy, bus transport between sheds. Equipment: Good covered shoes – no jandals. Bring lunch and water. Bus transport: Assembly time 8.15 am, 4-5hrs, $35.00
Bream Tail Ramble
SATURDAY GRADE 3 – max 25 people Enjoy a guided tour of this working farm subdivision. With its native bush blocks, stunning coastal views and excellent facilities, this is a rare opportunity to see behind the gates of one of Mangawhai’s finest coastal developments. From the Surf Club, wander along the beach then take the 200 odd steep steps to the cliff top. Enjoy the magnificent coastal panorama before crossing into Bream Tail Farm. The bushwalk component highlights some wonderful native specimens before heading up to the trig for some great photo opportunities. “Fab views, loved getting to see this area” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Some steep climbs […]
Doggy Walk
SATURDAY GRADE 1 – max 25 people : A walk with your best friend… Let your dog enjoy being a dog! A short drive from Mangawhai, the lush beauty of a working farm awaits you and your dog. This is an off the lead adventure where doggies are free to rumble and tumble with their doggie friends. This farm walk includes pasture, bush, plenty of open space, a river to swim, logs to cross and plenty of ‘farm smells’. What more could your best friend want? “Great walk, great hosts, fantastic day” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Hilly walk over rolling farmland. Equipment: Suitable footwear. Carpool: Assembly […]
Estuary to Ocean – be delighted on this estuary walk
SATURDAY GRADE 3 – max 25 people: Experience this splendid walk of contrasts – from the estuary mud and mangroves, with their hidden beauty, to the middens of the sand-spit and the golden desert sands of the mighty dune which we climb for marvellous views from the top. This ever changing refuge provides stories of birds, plants, and history, ancient and modern. Expect wet feet. The walk is led by volunteer members of the Fairy Tern Trust who have dedicated their time to the protection of this endangered endemic bird species. “Informative, enjoyable, educational, loved the whole thing” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Some paddling and sand-hill climb. […]
Geology – the story of our coastline
SATURDAY GRADE 2 – max 20 people: A fascinating exploration along the beach. How often do you discover different rock formations and wonder how they were created? Enjoy a fascinating beach walk whilst learning the Earth’s history in the rocks of the Mangawhai surf beach, foreshore and beyond with guide Dr Gary Carr, geologist, teacher and part time resident, Gary will take you on a fascinating journey through time. Degree of difficulty: Easy, basically a beach walk, some boulder hopping. Equipment: Sneakers fine. Bring lunch, and water. Carpool: Assembly time 9.30am, 4-5hrs, $25.00
Hash Run
GRADE 2-3: max 30 people: A Hash House Harriers fun run ideal for the young at heart and fleet of foot. A Hash House Harriers fun run ideal for the young at heart and fleet of foot. For runners and walkers, with the emphasis on having fun rather than a test of athletic ability! The concept is “Hare and Hounds” following a trail laid by the hare. This 90 minute run/walk will take you through the many beautiful walking tracks of inner Mangawhai. “Hidden tracks right in the village, fun, great work out” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: A run/walk so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Equipment: […]
Kayaking Mangawhai
SATURDAY & SUNDAY GRADE 3 – max 12 people: Enjoy breath-taking views and heaps of fun on this spectacular two hour guided kayaking tour. Explore the Mangawhai Harbour from the North Avenue boat ramp through to Picnic Bay then across the harbour to the sand spit, followed by further exploration of the inner harbour with Aotearoa Surf Guides. Hear the history of Mangawhai – from the early Ngati Whatua inhabitants, the Nga Puhi wars, European settlement, through to the more recent but historic ‘Big Dig’ and our current Harbour Restoration Society activities. Suitable for first timers or the more experienced. All equipment provided. “Great to be on the estuary, lots of […]
Learn to Surf – NEW this year
SATURDAY GRADE 3 – max 20 people : Learn about the history of surfing at Mangawhai, the origins of surf lifesaving and how surfing has grown to be a large part of local life. Aotearoa Surf’s beginner surf experience which will teach you everything from beach safety, reading the ocean, handling your surfboard, paddling techniques through to standing riding waves towards the beach. All equipment provided. Bring your lunch. Degree of difficulty: Suitable for beginners and more experienced. Equipment: Towel, water bottle, sunscreen, warm change of clothes, suitable footwear. Carpool: Assembly time 8.00am, 2.5hrs, $65.00
Mangawhai Cliff Top Walk – the best of Mangawhai
SATURDAY & SUNDAY GRADE 4 – max 20 people: Mangawhai’s Iconic Walkway Listed as one of New Zealand’s ‘14 Great Short Walks’ and part of the national Te Araroa Trail, this iconic walk takes you along the spectacular cliff tops north of Mangawhai Heads beach. From the Surf Club, enjoy an easy wander along the beach as you ‘warm-up’, ready for the steep stepped climb to the cliff top and lookout. As you walk this well formed track, enjoy the magnificent coastal panorama to Bream Head, excitingly revealed as you progress northwards. To the south soak up the golden vistas along the coast to Pakiri Beach and out […]
