Hike Mount Manaia - Things To Do In Whangarei

Spending time in Whangarei and looking for something to do?

If you like the outdoors, then hiking up Mount Manaia might be a good option.

Mount Manaia is a 35 minute drive from Whangarei township and is a relatively easy walk.

The track is well-formed and safe. You are walking on a guided track the whole time and there are steps and boardwalks.

There is a parking area at the base of the mountain with a public toilet.

Parking area at the start of Mount Manaia track

The hike is a 4 km return trip.

The sign says it is a 2 hour return trip. However, it took about 35 minutes for us to get to the summit (we were walking at a reasonable pace).

Ocean Beach and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

It is mostly UP all the way and DOWN on the way back 🤣

There are many steps at one point.

I love being in the New Zealand native bush - I always feel healed when I return to nature.

Great views can been seen from Mount Manaia, towards Port Marsden and down the coast towards Ruakaka and Waipu Cove. The Pacific Ocean can be seen on the other side to the east.

It doesn't take long to get high up.

Port Marsden in the foreground and Bream Bay in the distance.

The impressive Mount Manaia