mt manaia

984kerryt

Wow, what a great way to spend the morning - Walking/climbing the path up Mt Manaia to the top, stopping along the way to watch the birds, to admire the native flora (kauri trees, pongas and palms just to name a few) and to take in the spectacular views of the Whangarei Heads, Whangarei Harbour and the surrounding coast line from the top of the top and also from another rock outcrop about 3/4 of the way up. Watch your feet though as you are informed not to stand on the kauri tree roots - which are sometimes difficult to avoid as they criss-cross the path in some locations.Do not bring your dogs for this walk as they are not allowed due to kiwis being in the area.

861ColinD

The climb is steep, but even fit 60 year olds get up the mountain in 45 minutes, not 1.5 hours. Views are fantastic. 360 degrees. All steep sections have even gravel steps. In the morning, photos of McLeod Bay are stunning. They are good in the afternoon too, but the angle of the morning sun is better.This is a kiwi reserve. We did not see any......but no dogs. There was a kiwi release in McLeod Bay last weekend.Look for the large kauri. Lots of tree ferns and palms too.Most of the walk is shaded, especially if you walk later in the day.

majnz

if you don't like heights or getting sweaty then this isn't the attraction for you! 1070 odd steps I counted, (on the way back down). But the view from the top - well worth it

Hateajim

Who counts the steps? I get 1086 but this depends on how you count them! A wonderful view from the top when you get there.You can through in Mt Aubrey as an extra if keen. This makes it a good mornings effort with tea at the nearby cafe to finish off.

Richard1901

Liked views and Forrest along the way ! Toughness of climb yet short 1.5 hour return ... disliked too many " PC " Steps , DOC took a fine trail and made it pedestrian to " keep it safe "

Jacksonz

Fantastic walk with great views at the end of it all. If you like this, then the Mt Aubrey walk nearby is also great.

KarenLJ2014

Visited in November 2014 as part of a year 9 school camp (13 - 14 year olds). My non athletic son found it a challenging climb but said "it was totally worth it when you got to the top". Mt Manaia is situated on the Whangarei Heads, an area which has much to offer in terms of natural scenery, beaches and excellent walks from easy to the more challenging. There is a good track to the top of Mt Manaia.

ChristchurchStewarts

Lovely track, beautiful, native bush and trees including kauri, totara. Spectacular scenery and worth every step and stairway to the top.

michellen_NZ

Go before it gets too hot, as its 430 metres and 1100 steps, but when you get to the top its like stepping out on to a platform is like the "top of the world". The views over Whangarei and the Whangarei Heads is spectacular. I wont put a photo on as its such a surprise when you get to the top. Well maintained track, but be prepared to sweat!

MDove359

Wow wot a Great experience to walk up the steps and look across to see the Cargo Ships at Marsden Point....Beautiful scenery to take in and Great opportunity to take some fabulous Photographs....Halfway up there is a tree down and u got to the right of the Tree and amazin view of the Coast....It was so busy with lots of families with young children and Babies in paks with their parents ....Water is needed and some lollies for energy...Once u are up the top u have a view of the coast 360 and the Rocks are amazin....Toilet down below but really well signposted and the beaches and bays that u drive past....Beautiful beaches up to Tutukaka Coast down to Ruakaka Beach and further.....

134evatan

Its really need a lot energy. Almost want give up on the half way to top. The funny thing, I stop just on last track. After rest and collect back my energy then I decided no way I stop on this half way and continue climb to up. The view just excellent. Can see whole around. Beautiful scenic

I666YCandrewh

Mount Manaia offers the best views of Whangarei and the coast - on a clear you can see all the way from Tutukaka to the Coromandel.The path was rebuilt by the Department of Conservation several years ago and is designed to be used by a whole range of folks from the really fit to those with mild mobility issues. Be prepared to spend an hour walking in each direction.There is a rock ledge 10 minutes from the summit on a small side track that is not signposted but offers a spectacular view of the coast. There is no safety railing so the ledge may not be the place for some young children. The high point of the track is on the western side of the mountain. The path ends at a small wooden staircase that opens onto a flat area of rock. It can only take a few people at a time. The summit can be unpleasant in high winds so it is best to choose a calm sunny day.

CraigW894

An easy climb up this mountain gives you glimpses at times out thru the bush but at the top its an amazing 360 degrees of views to dir for. Well worth the effort, I take all my visitors up to see Whangarei Heads laid out below them.

b0bbij0c

From the bottom to the top, 403 metres above sea level. 360 degree views. Hundreds of steps but when you get to the top it is worth every bit of effort. For those very fit, try running up. I do this twice a week and have been for years. Never get tired of the views.

AucklandPiwis

We have climbed this rock twice now and the views were just as stunning the second time. A steady climb which takes approx 40 minutes without stopping. About two-thirds up there is a short track that leads off to the right from the main path - keep an eye out for it as it ends on a ledge with great unobstructed views to the North and East. There are lot of steps (1110 give or take a view) but well worth persevering!