Fantastic walk with great views at the end of it all. If you like this, then the Mt Aubrey walk nearby is also great.
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!
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.
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.
Lovely track, beautiful, native bush and trees including kauri, totara. Spectacular scenery and worth every step and stairway to the top.
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 "
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.
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.
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!
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.....