More walking treasures on our doorstep

With views as far as the eye can see, keen walkers will love to explore the Te Arai Point walking trails, now within the Auckland Regional Park network.

Te Arai Point is a beautiful isolated headland just south of Mangawhai. The Mangawhai Embayment sweeps from Bream Tail/Paepae-o-Tu in the north to Cape Rodney, and the Point affords a grandstand view of the coast as far as Whangarei Heads, and islands.

To the south, hidden in depressions, are special treasures, the remains of highly sensitive freshwater sand lakes, one of which has extensive open water. The other two are being reclaimed by the land with bull rushes and manuka invasion. A rather tricky to find track from the ridge passes the open water lake.

With sandy beaches either side of the Point, and a rocky ocean lagoon to explore, this easy grade 2 walk offers a perfect venue for a family fun day, on Saturday March 25. This is just one of over 20 easy to strenuous fully guided walks and workouts on Saturday, with another dozen available for you on Sunday.

Bookings for the Mangawhai Walking Weekend and Food and Wine Festival are coming in fast (remember it is not possible to book walks on the day). As with previous years, the Mangawhai Domain, the weekend’s meeting venue, is happy to host visitors’ camper vans.

n Mangawhai Walking Weekend, March 25-26. Bookings open now, so book early to avoid disappointment. Go to mangawhaiwalking.co.nz.

FAMILY FUN: Ridges that provide never-ending views are one of the features of Te Arai walks.