Nestled just 30 minutes away from Whangārei in Northland is Mount Manaia. Renowned as one of the area’s more popular trails, it offers incredible panoramic views of the nearby coastline and countryside.
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If you’re in the Northland region and wanting to know what to expect from this trail, I have everything you need to know below.
KEY INSIGHTS
Location: Whangārei Heads, Northland
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Length: 3.9km | 2.5 miles
Elevation: 340m
Difficulty: Medium
Open: Year-round
Type: Out-and-back
Need to have: Water, sun protection and snacks.
MOUNT MANAIA TRACK
Venturing along the out-and-back trail to the summit of Mount Manaia will take you roughly an hour and a half, depending on your fitness level.
Reaching the summit entails tackling a few stairs, totalling just over 1000. This will elevate you to a remarkable 420 meters above sea level. Even though it’s a challenging hike you’ll notice that the trail is well maintained with broad gravel paths and wooden steps. The scenery is also a great distraction. As you wind your way through beautiful regenerating native forestry the views unfold almost immediately.
I’ve personally hiked this path twice now, once and sunrise and the other at sunset. Both experiences were magic but if I were to choose, while I would say sunrise is great for the peace and quiet, sunset it definitely more spectacular as the sun dips over Whangārei-Terenga-Paraoa (Whangārei Harbour).
A small tip: Don’t be afraid to stray from the main path. There are several smaller trails that branch off, leading to hidden lookouts and secret spots so make sure you’ve allowed plenty of time to explore.
MOUNT MANAIA LOCATION AND PARKING
Mount Manaia is located in Whangārei Heads just over 30 minutes (30km) from Whangārei. Alternatively if traveling from Auckland CBD it will take you close to 3 hours (192km). Typing into Google Maps ‘Mount Manaia Track Summit Lookout’ or clicking this link will get you to the trailhead.
Parking is very convenient once at the trailhead. You’ll find when you turn into the carpark that this is also where Mount Manaia Club is located. Continue driving past the club and you’ll notice the lower carpark which is where you want to pull up to start the hike.
MOUNT MANAIA ACCOMMODATION
Whangārei Heads provides plenty of options for places to rest your head after your walk up Mount Manaia.
I stayed in Whangārei Heads specifically for this hike since it’s closer than the drive from Whangārei. AirBnB provide some comfy looking options for Whangārei Heads so if wanting to stay overnight, definitely check it out.
WHANGĀREI HEADS
There are a few other things to see and do while visiting Whangārei Heads. As well as Mount Manaia there is also the well-known Beam Head Track, located at the very tip end of the Heads. I’m yet to walk this track but looking forward to when I do.
Kayaking and enjoying some of the local fish and chips are also come highly recommended.
NORTHLAND
Northland boasts some of my favourite places to see and experience in the North Island. It’s a place that is also full of rich New Zealand history.
If photography, walks or specifically hikes are a passion point of yours, and exploring Northland is on your bucket-list I have a few posts that you might find helpful. From another beautiful beach to the next, when in Northland you should visit Tauranga Bay. Or if you’re looking for something that is more active, hiking Cape Brett or alternatively Dukes Nose. Both of these deserve a mention, likewise with St Pauls Rock. All of which are fantastic spots for landscape photography.
In this post, we’ve explored the beauty of Mount Manaia, a popular trail just 30 minutes from Whangārei in Northland. Whether you decide to tackle it at sunrise or sunset, the summit to this hike offers stunning panoramic views. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!