Surprises in store on Troubadour Trail

What makes the Troubadour Trail such an enjoyable event? It offers a combination of spectacular views, a relaxed walking trail, surprise, and entertainment to please the tastes of most people.

Another feature is the people you will meet with fellow walkers ranging from friendly locals to visitors from near and far who can become new acquaintances.

The Troubadour Trail, then, is a relaxed ramble with amusement, gifted performers, great scenic views, and convivial company.

Surprise performances during the walk are just that, a surprise, but five very different acts – either music, singing, action or tales – will please the eye, ear, mind and heart in true troubadour style.

Troubadour Trail walks start from the boat ramp reserve on Alamar Crescent, Mangawhai Heads, at 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm, Friday March 24.

Tickets $10 per adult, see details below. No charge for children under 16, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Exploring hidden pathways

Walking is a great way to explore Magical Mangawhai. Grab the kids, a picnic, the dog and head down some of the fun pathways linking the quiet shaded bush tracks to the beautiful warm blue estuary.

From the Information Centre, enter Mangawhai Park and follow the boardwalk to the Lookout for panoramic views from the Brynderwyns to the coast. Returning down the boardwalk turn right onto the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ track. This 'all weather' track is undulating but without any serious climbing and once you reach the museum, the cafe is worth a visit.

Cross Molesworth Drive to Estuary Drive, easy footpath walking, turning left into Moir Point Road. A few hundred metres along on your right (passing two side streets on the right) is a little grassy pathway with a sign on a low post with a blue arrow. This pathway weaves you down to the end of Devon Road, with lots of interesting new housing and stunning water views.

Head down Devon, a short distance on your right is another blue arrow leading between houses to Cheviot Street, turn right onto Cheviot and walk towards the cul de sac, on the left another blue arrow leads you onto another hidden pathway to the estuary on Lincoln Ave. You may see oystercatchers, dotterels, red knots and gulls eating their fill in the shallows; fairy terns can sometimes be seen feeding along this stretch of the estuary.

From Lincoln keep left around the estuary towards the Heads, keeping to the water’s edge until you reach the colourful kayaks on the pohutukawa lined shore at Bullet Point. The pontoon is a great place for a swim.

Shaded amongst the pohutukawa tress, climb the wooden steps, turn right along the cliff top, meandering through the manuka pathway until you reach an open grassy area overlooking the sandspit, a bit further on take a break on the strategically placed seat in Roberts Reserve, a perfect spot for your picnic lunch.

Leaving the Reserve entrance, take the cul de sac to the left where a sandy pathway veers right past the wooden steps to Findlay Street. When you reach Molesworth Drive, a short walk to your left and you are back at the Information Centre.

n You can learn more about these magnificent walks by booking a guided option on the Mangawhai Walking Weekend, March 24-26, 2017. Further details on this and many other walks can be found on mangawhaiwalking.co.nz. Tickets also available at Bammas or Mangawhai Books & Gifts.

ENTERTAINMENT: Surprise performers appear during the Troubadour Trail.