The cover photo you’re looking at from this lookout is one of my absolute favourite photos from all my North Island adventures. Fair warning though, getting here isn’t the easiest, but it’s totally worth the effort. I’d recommend camping in the small town of Māhia since you’ll need to drive quite a bit to get here, and it’s such a sweet spot. Pretty beaches, and friendly people, I even saw two young girls selling homemade lemonade on their front lawn, which totally sums up the vibe. 

Now, for the lookout: park along Newcastle Street, and you’ll spot a small gravel car park next to house 174. From here, follow the Mokotahi Hill Track, a short 1.3 km return. The views as you go up just keep getting better, and there’s a bench about halfway up that’s the perfect chill spot to try and spot some marine life below.