3 hrs return. Easy walking.
Wet feet. Low tide is best.
Be prepared to get wet feet as we walk among mangroves and view one of Mangawhai’s few remaining salt marshes.
Drive past Mangawhai Beach School going south. Over the bridge turn left into Black Swamp Road; turn left into Raymond Bull Road; turn left at the T junction.
Park safely at the end of the road.
Begin along the wide tractor track to the water. At the end go right to follow the shore line veering round to the east. Walking is on both land and beach depending on the tide.
This first section has some unique intertidal plants including rushes and New Zealand ice plants. Pass the pohutukawa, to the sand hill. Many sea birds gather there – including the New Zealand Dotterel and the endangered NZ Fairy Tern.
Spectacular sea shell middens appear near the coast. Maori came by canoe and land to enjoy the abundance of sea food available on this isolated wide expansive golden beach.
Climb the sand hill to enjoy the views and the thrill of the slide down.
Return the same way, or to extend the walk continue along the beach going south to meet Pacific Road beach entrance.
Exit there and return to cars via Black Swamp Road.
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