Another trail that definitely deserves your attention! The Mangawhai Cliff Walkway is an out-and-back track that, if timed right, lets you walk along the beach before hiking up and along the cliffs for some seriously incredible views, then back down to the water. If you can plan your visit around low tide, I highly recommend it, it’ll save you the effort of hiking back up the incline (and let’s be real, who wants that? ahaha).

The trail is 8km return and is rated moderate. You’ll get to walk about 1km along Mangawhai Beach, which has some massive sand dunes, people love sliding down them before heading to the trail at the end of the beach. Next, you’ll pass through grassy fields with plenty of cute sheep, making for the perfect rolling-hill photo op.

This part of the walk will get your heart pumping, with a staircase climb leading up to the cliff. But trust me, the higher you go, the better the views get. After that, the track flattens out and becomes much easier. As you descend back down to ocean level, you’ll come across a natural arch, which is both super cool and 100% Instagram-worthy.

From this point, your return route depends on the tide, at low tide, you can walk back along the rocky but flat shoreline, or if the tide is high, you’ll need to retrace your steps over the cliffs. Either way, this walk is an absolute gem. Enjoy!