GRADE 2 – Max 25 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. GRADE 2 – Max 25 Equipment: Walking footwear. Carpool: Assembly time 9.30am, 3hrs, $25.00

GRADE 2 – Max 20 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. GRADE 2 – Max 20 Equipment: Sneakers fine. Bring lunch, and water. Carpool: Assembly time 9.00am, 4-5hrs, $25.00

 GRADE 2/3 – Max 20 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. GRADE 2/3 – Max 20 Equipment: Running/walking shoes. Carpool: Assembly time 10.00am, 90 minutes, $25.00  

GRADE 2/3 Max 35 We meet two women thwarted in love as a little section of Kaipara history is revealed.  Tucked onto the harbour edge, behind Kaiwaka, our visit will bring to life the landscape that influenced novelist Jane Mander, who wrote ‘The Story of a New Zealand River’’ (recommended prior reading). Further up the peninsular we learn about the historic Gittos family, original missionaries, and visit their house little changed from 1866. As there are a number of ‘rustic’ stiles and fences, plus steeper pitches walking up the clear grass ridges to the pa site, some agility is required. Excellent views from the top.  An extra special afternoon tea is included, with proceeds to the local […]

GRADE 2/3 – Max 25 More treasures on our doorstep! Explore Te Arai, an unknown gem in the Auckland Regional Park network.  Starting from the Te Arai Point car park we head south over the headland capturing 360 degree panoramic views. We explore parts of the land purchased in 2008, home to highly sensitive dune lake ecosystems, wetlands, coastal broadleaf forest and regenerating forest cover, discovering hidden natural treasures, before emerging at Te Arai south beach for lunch.  After a short walk along the golden sands of Forestry Beach we return via the headland track. “Loved the variety, friendly well informed guides” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Generally […]

GRADE 2/3 – Max 25 Take this rare chance to walk through the well-established Tern Point Farm Park community, uniquely located between the Mangawhai estuary, the wildlife refuge and the new Tara Iti golf course. After strolling through some productive olive groves, you will have an opportunity to climb the giant Mangawhai sand dune and marvel at the panoramic vistas from its peak; a perimeter walk of the big dune is an added option for the energetic. “Good informative walk, amazing contrast, informal and relaxing” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Easy walking around Tern Point, Grade 3 if you walk up the dune ! GRADE 2/3 – Max 25 […]

GRADE 2/3 – Max 35 Visit one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches. Discover the serenity and isolation of Tomarata. This mostly flat (except for a climb over Te Arai headland) beautiful walk takes us from the Lake View Chalets with their clear view of the sand-lakes, Slipper and Spectacle, around Lake Tomarata through pine forest, and out to the southern section of Te Arai beach with its brilliant white sands, wild waves and isolation. Look out for the sea birds and the memorial seat as we return on the loop track. “Great group, walk, pace, and guide” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Easy walking with […]