Mahurangi West Walk is an excellent short day walk in Auckland

Great hike with medium hills and good exercise! You’ll be walking on the beach, across farmland with lovely views. The Mahurangi West walk is 6k and will take you 2 hours in a round trip.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Mahurangi West, Rodney, North Island, NZ
  • Distance: 6.10 kms
  • Time needed: 2 Hours
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Round Trip
  • Elevation: 80m
  • Wet Feet: Yes
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Awesome views, walking over farmland, walking along the beach

Track Quality

Very good. Light running shoes would be sufficient. I walk in open toe sandals.

Hazards

Te Muri Eustary – Has a strong tidal current and it is not recommended to cross outside 2 hours either side of low tide. At full tide the shallowest point is neck height.

Transport

You'll need to make your own way there as there is no public transport to this walk.

Water

At both camp sites

Driving Instructions

Drive north on State Highway one. Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and on to Orewa town ship, 36 km. Orewa township is a very popular East Coast Bay town, full of coffee bars restaurants and arts and craft shops. When you’re driving into Orewa, keep an eye out for the fresh farmed produce markets signs, this is usually on a Sunday morning, a good place to pick out fresh fruit and vegetables for your trip north. Just over the next hill is Waiwera, a nice beach stop. Back on State Highway one, you will cross the Orewa estuary. After crossing the bridge 500 meters up the road on your right is a turnoff to Wenderholm Regional Park, another very popular weekend barbecue and picnic spot. If you don’t like the crowds, noisy people, then stay away. Mahurangi Regional Park turn off (3.4 Km). You will cross a concrete bridge, the Mahurangi regional parks lane will be on your left, and there is a special lane to turn right, be careful this is a very busy road. The road out to the Regional Park is a sealed road, except for the last (2km), narrow, and windy.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Click here to see a list of restaurants in Orewa, on the way to Mahurangi West. 

Area & Trail History

The Mahurangi West Walk is part of the larger Mahurangi Regional Park, which was established to preserve the natural environment and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The park includes areas of native bush, tidal estuaries, and coastal land. For more specific and up-to-date information about the history of the Mahurangi West Walk, including any recent developments or changes, I recommend checking with the Auckland Council or local visitor information centers. They can provide you with the most current details and any additional information about the walk's history and significance.

Map Location

My full walk description and what we saw on the day

Mahurangi West Tramp - Start
Mahurangi West Tramp - Start
Mahurangi West Tramp - Start

Start at Otarawao Bay

Cudlip point Look Out (25.Min )  From Otarawao Bay, walk down to the southern end of the camp ground, and up the hill following the post rail fence on your right.

When you meet up with the fence running from your left to your right, look over to the right, and you will see a stile, climb over it.  You will see the signs pointing to the start of the tracks. Carry on up the hill, following the red markers.  Follow the ridge to the next gate.

Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 2
Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 2
Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 2

Through the gate and keep walking along the ridge

At the end of this section, you will see a fence and a sign showing you the way to Cudlip point. It is a short three-minute walk out to the disappointing lookout, so give this track a miss.

Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 3
Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 3
Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 3

Te Muri Estuary is 20 more minutes of walking 

From the lockout down to Te Muri Estuary, is a very quick downhill walk.

Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 4
Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 4

Back to Sullivan’s Bay (45 mins)

Double back to Te Muri Beach. You can walk back along the beach to the estuary or the thick green paddock at the back of the campground.

When you reach the old cemetery, follow the farm track into the estuary, then cross over the creek to the road on the other side.  If in doubt, follow the power poles across to the other side. If the tide is in, roll up your shorts. Don’t worry; the incoming current is very weak.

Mahurangi West Tramp - Point 5

End of the walk

Follow the track up the hill to the main road, turn to the right and walk down the sealed road to your car and a hot coffee, if you remember to bring one!

More of my walks in Mahurangi West

Mahurangi West, Auckland Region - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Mahurangi West Walk in Auckland

3 September 2023 Auckland Region Mahurangi West North Island

6.10 kms • 2 Hours • Medium • Great short day walk in Mahurangi West over farmland and beaches with great views along the way

Walk details →