People who have visited Mahurangi Regional Park tend to get a certain faraway expression when you tell them you’re heading there. Sparkling turquoise water, bays within bays to swim, and flourishing native forest are less than an hour’s drive from downtown Auckland. It’s a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and when the pōhutukawa colour the cliffs crimson, it’s a true taste of Kiwiana.
Three parks in one
Take your pick of three distinct areas: Mahurangi West is the most accessible; Mahurangi East’s Scott Point pays homage to the early Māori and European settlers; and Sadler Point (also in Mahurangi East) is a firm favourite of boaties. If staying in the west part, earmark some time to walk up to the Mahurangi Regional Park lookout. The bountiful bay’s coastline is picture-perfect, and orca have been known to pass close by.
There are numerous walks that cross sheep paddocks, dip into pockets of bush clamouring with birdlife, meander past historic sites and then lead down to serene, secluded beaches. No matter how much time you have to spend here, this regional park is an absolute delight – and right on our doorstep.
Got a half day?
Sort out some tackle and bait and head to Opahi Point at Mahurangi West for a spot of fishing, followed by a swim and picnic at Mita Bay. Make the most of low tide by walking around Tungutu Point to Sullivans Bay. Don’t leave without hiking the Mita Bay Loop Track to get your fill of stunning views across Tīkapa Moana / Hauraki Gulf.
Got a full day?
Cross Te Muri Estuary at low tide to get to the quieter areas. After a swim at Te Muri Bay, we suggest a walk above the beach to visit one of the four fortified pā sites in the regional park, as well as the cemetery that dates back to the 1860s. The track is an out-and-back hike that will take around three hours. On your way back to Sullivans Bay, take the Cudlip Point Loop Track for bird-watching and more astonishing views of the gulf. Walk off your picnic lunch with a visit out to Pudding Island at low tide.
Got two days?
First, let’s set up camp. The super popular Sullivans Bay campground has spaces for both tents and SCC campers, and faces east with views out to Motuora Island across the harbour. It’s an easy walk around to Mita Bay where you’ll be torn between watching native birds or looking out into the gulf for passing orca.
If your tent is on your back, walk to the quieter Mita Bay or Te Muri Beach to set up camp for a peaceful night under the stars. Lagoon Bay over at Mahurangi East is your fourth campsite option but is only accessible by boat.
During the day, take your pick of swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm, sheltered waters, or walk the many tracks – and after dark look out for bioluminescence. The phytoplankton bloom can look red during the day, then when disturbed at night, it glows blue.
On day two, take a 45-minute drive around to Mahurangi East to visit the Scott Homestead, and if you’re there at low tide, take a stroll across the sand to Maunganui / Casnell Island.
