Discover Te Ārai Regional Park
Te Ārai Regional Park, the most northeasterly of the 28 Auckland regional parks, is a beautiful, relatively remote beach destination. Located between Mangawhai Heads to the north and Pakiri Beach to the south, the park features a stunning 30 km stretch of white sand beach, particularly popular with surfers. It is also part of the Te Araroa, which follows the coastline from Mangawhai to Pakiri and crosses over the park's twin points, Eyres Point and Te Ārai Point.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The name Te Ārai originates from Tāhuhunui-o-te-rangi, the captain of the waka Moekākara, who established a temporary shelter (te ārai) at the point and was later buried there. Historically, Māori used the area seasonally for fishing and gathering kaimoana, with pā sites on the headlands and midden deposits found along the dunes.
European settlers later utilised the long beach for horseback and cart transport before inland roads were developed. The surrounding forests were cut down and replanted with exotic pines for timber production.
Beaches and Surfing
Te Ārai Beach, located on the north side of the twin points, is accessible via Te Ārai Point Road from Mangawhai Road. This area serves as the park's main access point and is known for its excellent surfing conditions. A beachside campsite is also available for those wishing to extend their stay.
On the south side of the points, you can visit Forestry Beach, which stretches to Pākiri and Cape Rodney. The beach is named after the extensive pine plantations behind the dunes. To reach Forestry Beach, take Ocean View Road from Te Ārai Point Road, just west of the beach, and then veer left onto the unnamed access road. Ample parking is available, with paths leading over the dunes to the beach.
Natural Features and Wildlife
The park is home to diverse ecosystems, including dune lakes, wetlands, and coastal regenerating forests. Walking tracks traverse the twin points, providing scenic routes to Forestry Beach. The park is also a habitat for various bird species, including the critically endangered New Zealand fairy tern, with only about 40 individuals remaining. For more information, read more here.
How to Get There
To reach Te Ārai Regional Park, take Mangawhai Road from State Highway 1, between Wellsford and Kaiwaka. Turn onto Te Ārai Point Road for access to Te Ārai Beach. Parking is available near the dunes. From Downtown Auckland, the drive via the northern motorway and State Highway 1 takes 65 minutes and is 87 km.
If you're interested in surfing, another section of the park is accessible off Pacific Road near Mangawhai Heads. This area is even more remote and also popular with surfers.
Other beautiful places to visit on the northern Auckland coast include Goat Island, Leigh, Ōmaha Beach, Mahurangi Regional Park, Wenderholm Regional Park and Orewa.
