Two-Day Road Trip: Mangawhai Heads to Waipū Cove

Two-Day Road Trip: Mangawhai Heads to Waipū Cove

BeachesForestsWalks
Douglas Paul
Douglas Paul
Sep 26, 2025

Discover the perfect weekend getaway in Northland with this two-day road trip exploring golden beaches, forested hills, and clifftop walks between Mangawhai and Waipū Cove. Just 90 minutes from Auckland, this coastal route blends surf, scenery, and stories of Māori heritage and Scottish migration, all with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

It's also a chance to experience a scenic section of Te Araroa. The New Zealand walkway runs the length of this trip, starting on Cullen Road, following the Langsview Track to the Mangawhai Walkway, through Mangawhai Heads and on to Te Arai via Pacific Road.

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Day 1: Mangawhai Heads, Te Arai and Tanekaha Forest

Morning: Mangawhai Heads Beach & Goldschmidt Track

Start your trip at Mangawhai Heads Beach in the township of Mangawhai Heads, a 1.8 km golden stretch ideal for surfing, swimming, or beachcombing. Arrive to catch the low tide and walk out to Sentinel Rock or explore the northern end of the beach for rock formations and dunes.

From the surf club carpark, take the Goldschmidt Track, a short but rewarding climb to panoramic cliff-top views of the harbour, Pacific coastline, and offshore islands.

For a longer half-day walk, follow the Mangawhai Walkway / Te Araroa for dramatic sea cliffs and a beach return route (check tide times).

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Midday: Te Arai Beach via Pacific Road

After a café stop in Mangawhai, head southeast along Black Swamp and Pacific Roads to reach Te Arai Beach. This remote surf spot is backed by high dunes and pine forest, with wide sands and excellent right-hand breaks. Walk south along the beach, a section of Te Araroa, for solitude and sweeping views towards Pakiri.

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Afternoon: Tanekaha Falls Track

Return inland via King Road to explore the Tanekaha Falls Track and its network of native bush trails. This hidden gem features multiple waterfalls, regenerating forest, and historical remains of a kauri dam. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full waterfall circuit. If time allows, link with the Puriri Track to see ancient puriri trees over 1,000 years old.

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Overnight: Mangawhai or Waipū Accommodation

Stay the night in Mangawhai Heads for access to restaurants and summer events, or continue north on Cove Road over the Brynderwyn Hills to Waipū for a quiet beach escape. Either location offers great options for boutique stays or holiday parks.

Day 2: Langs Beach, Waipū Cove & Coastal Ridge Walks

Morning: Langs Beach & McKenzie Cove

Take Cove Road north through the scenic Brynderwyn Range to reach Langs Beach, a classic Northland bay framed by mature pōhutukawa and golden sand. Wander south to McKenzie Cove, or relax in the shade with a coffee from a nearby café. In summer, this beach buzzes with swimmers and picnickers.

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Midday: Waipū Coastal Walkway to Waipū Cove

From Langs Beach, follow the Waipū Coastal Walkway south to Waipū Cove, passing clifftops, coves, and rocky shelves. The walk takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one-way, with outstanding sea views and birdlife. Alternatively, drive the short scenic stretch along Cove Road.

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Lunch at Waipū Cove

Reward yourself with a beachfront lunch at the popular café and bar at Waipū Cove. The beach here is surf-patrolled in summer, perfect for a post-walk swim or sunbathe.

Afternoon: Cullen Road & Langsview Track

For a final walk, take Cullen Road inland and drive up into the Brynderwyn Hills. Park at the viewpoint or near the water tanks (noting the narrow road section). From here, join the Langsview Track, a ridge-top section of Te Araroa with sweeping coastal views north over Bream Bay and south to Mangawhai. For a loop walk, descend via the Tanekaha Falls Track.

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Evening: Return to Auckland or Stay Another Night

After a full day of beaches, forest walks, and coastal panoramas, either return south to Auckland or stay another night in Waipū to explore the township’s history, including the Waipū Scottish Migration Museum.

Helpful Hints

  • Drive Time: Mangawhai Heads is a 105 km, 90-minute drive from Downtown Auckland. From there to Waipū Cove is a further 13 km and takes 17 minutes, via Langs Beach.
  • Tide Matters: Plan the return trip below the cliffs on the Mangawhai Walkway for low tide.
  • Road Notes: Cullen Road includes narrow unsealed sections - drive with care and check the detailed comments here.
  • Loop Options: Combine Tanekaha Forest tracks for a full native forest loop.
  • Pack In & Out: Some of these locations are remote—bring snacks, water, and rubbish bags.

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