GRADE 3 – Max 25  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 pa site (trig) for some great photo opportunities. “Fab views, loved getting to see this area” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Some steep climbs […]

GRADE 3/4 – Max 20 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 to the Coromandel Peninsula. Through shady pockets of cooling bush […]

 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 3 – Max 12 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 fun, excellent guides” […]

GRADE 3 Max 20 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 will teach you everything from beach safety, reading the ocean, handling your surf board, paddling techniques through to standing riding waves towards the beach. All equipment provided. Bring snacks. Degree of difficulty: Suitable for beginners and more experienced. GRADE 3 MAX 20 Equipment: Towel, water bottle, sunscreen, warm change of clothes, suitable footwear. Carpool: Assembly time 8.30am, 2.5hrs, $65.00

GRADE 3 – Max 12 A guided ‘eco tour’ as you stand up paddle board in and around the Mangawhai Harbour to the unique Mangawhai sandspit! This two hour experience is not to be missed! Accompanied by qualified instructors, you will first learn how to paddle and handle your board before crossing the estuary for a guided walk exploring the lakes and wildlife, to the spit’s ocean side. Learn about the critically endangered NZ Fairy Tern and other wildlife existing on the spit. A beautiful and rewarding experience for first timers and the more experienced. All equipment provided. “Excellent, awesome, great learning experience” – last year participant. Important: All paddleboards […]

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 […]