Mount Manaia
Manaia
A jagged volcanic rock peak on the Whangārei headland, with a summit track of about 1.5 hours and views over Whangārei Harbour and the offshore islands.
Mount Manaia rises about 420 meters and is the most striking jagged rock peak on the Whangārei headland. In Māori legend it is a petrified chief and his family, and it holds sacred significance for local iwi. The track starts from the car park beside McLeod Bay, passes through native forest and is mostly stairs. One way takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and the round trip about 2.5 hours, so it is physically demanding. The summit viewing platform overlooks Whangārei Harbour, Bream Bay and the Hen and Chickens Islands offshore. Do not climb the rock pinnacles at the top. The mountain is about 35 km from the city and free to visit. Bring water and non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
All day (daytime hiking)
Nearby sights
- Smugglers Bay
- Ocean Beach
- Bream Head (Te Whara Track)
- Abbey Caves
- Waipū Caves
- Mount Parihaka
- Tutukaka Coast
- Town Basin