Top 10 things to do in Te Arai, North of Auckland
A Spotlight on Te Arai: a hidden gem north of Auckland. We've got you covered with the top 10 things to do in this small coastal community!
Here are the top 10 things to do when you’re visiting Te Arai!
- Try Your Hand at Surfing at Te Arai Beach
- Experience SUP boarding or kayaking in Tomarata Lake or the Mangawhai Estuary
- The Mangawhai Clifftop walk
- Indulge Yourself at the Mangawhai Chocolate Factory
- Buy Some Organic Goodies at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets
- Visit the Mangawhai Museum
- Visit ‘Dune’ Restaurant for a fancy dinner
- Explore the Auckland regional Park (Te Arai to Forestry Beach walk)
- Jump off the rocks and swim in the Te Arai quarry
- Go snorkelling at Goat Island
Where is Te Arai?
Te Arai is a small coastal community just south of Mangawhai, rated as one of the top surfing locations in the wider Auckland region.
Experience SUP boarding or kayaking in Tomarata Lake or the Mangawhai Estuary
Who is it for? All ages and fitness levels
Where is it? Mangawhai Heads (20 minutes from Te Arai)
Grab your boards and paddles from Aotearoa Surf School in Te Arai and hit the water with your family and/or friends for a day of scenic paddling. As you glide along the water in cruise mode, you will be sure to take in fantastic views including native wetlands and bush. The team at Aotearoa Surf School will show you how to properly use and navigate the SUP boards if you’re a newbie.
The Mangawhai Clifftop walk
Who is it for? The whole family (a relatively easy walk)
Where is it? Mangawhai Heads (20 minutes from Te Arai)
Experience the rugged beauty and breathtaking coastal views of the North Island’s east coast on this sought after walk. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea can be seen from the clifftops. Part of your walk takes you through magical New Zealand bushland where, during the summer months, you might just find some Kererū (native pigeon) feeding on the nikau berries. Allow for 2-3 hours to make the entire round-trip.
Please note: you will need to complete this walk within 3 hours on either side of low tide to be able to pass through.
Indulge Yourself at the Mangawhai Chocolate Factory
Who is it for? Fantastic for the kids (if you don’t mind the sugar rush afterwards)
Where is it? Mangawhai Heads (20 minutes from Te Arai)
Quite obviously, this is great for anyone who is a chocolate lover and is always a great hit with the kids. Bennetts have been hand-crafting their incredible chocolates in Mangawhai Village since 1998. There is a cafe located on the property where you can enjoy the BEST cup of hot chocolate you’ve had in a long time, as well as indulging yourself in all the delicious choccies on offer.
Buy Some Organic Goodies at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets
Who is it for? Particularly great for the foodies
Where is it? Mangawhai Tavern Grounds, (20 minutes from Te Arai)
The perfect way to spend your Saturdays is at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets. There is something here for absolutely everybody, unique products, fabulous food, fresh, local fruit & vegetables, live music and a great atmosphere. The markets sit on the water’s edge in Mangawhai, making the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy a coffee with the family.
#supportsmallbusiness. Open from 9am-1pm.
Visit the Mangawhai Museum
Who is it for? All ages!
Where is it? Mangawhai Heads (20 minutes from Te Arai)
The perfect rainy day activity, the Mangawhai Museum is for the young and old! Its brand new modern interior showcases some of Mangawhai’s most interesting stories and artifacts – everything from a video restoration of the Mangawhai Harbour to transformed decommissioned Auckland trams into baches, with a replica for viewing! If you get a bit peckish during your stroll around, there is even a cafe right next door.
Visit ‘Dune’ Restaurant for a fancy dinner
Who is it for? Great for couples date night
Where is it? Mangawhai Heads (20 minutes from Te Arai)
You will find some of the area’s most delicious meals in this relaxed, coastal vibe restaurant from gate to plate. With locally sourced meats, seafood and vegetables (even the wine is sourced from the Landing in Kerikeri, Northland!), Dune Restaurant assures an array of fresh, delicious options. Some of our favourites on the menu include the Large Asia Pork Ribs or the Chargrilled Broccoli and Mushroom.
Explore the Auckland regional Park (Te Arai to Forestry Beach walk)
Who is it for? All ages!
Where is it? Te Arai
The Te Arai Regional Park sits on the border to Northland. It covers 78ha of coastal headland comprising of dune and lake ecosystems, forest, wetlands, stunning views, and campground. Our favourite part of the park is the 2 hour loop track that takes you from Te Arai right around to Pakiri and back, with multiple track options. During your walk, you will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery including views of Goat Island, tree fern backdrops, incredible views of Forestry Beach and a fantastic amount of flora and fauna.
Jump off the rocks and swim in the Te Arai quarry
Who is it for? Anyone who likes a bit of a thrill!
Where is it? Te Arai Reserve Beach (to the right if you’re looking at the ocean)
Popularly photographed on Instagram, the Te Arai quarry is the perfect spot to shelter from the wind and waves, whether you’re with the young ones, or just want a relaxing swim. If it’s a bit of an adrenaline rush you’re after, a quick climb will get you to the top of the rocks where you can dive into the crystal blue waters.
Go snorkelling at Goat Island
Who is it for? Great for the family (kids must be able to swim confidently)
Where is it? Pakiri
Join Salt Water Eco on one of their incredible snorkelling tours to Goat Island. The team at Salt Water know all the best, hidden spots around the Island’s marine reserve including magical mangrove sites, overhangs and pinnacles, seaweed tunnels, sponge and anemone gardens and crayfish and octopus hideaways. This is certainly an adventure you won’t forget!
Try Your Hand at Surfing at Te Arai Beach
Who is it for? All ages and stages (even if you haven’t surfed before)
Where is it? Te Arai Beach
Te Arai has been rated one of the best surf locations in the Auckland region. The local operator at the popular Te Arai Beach is Aotearoa Surf School. They provide a fantastic range of surf lessons and offerings including private and group lessons, Women’s Only Surf Lessons, Kids Surf Camps and more. Te Arai Beach boasts white sand, crystal clear blue water and safe, easy and consistent waves which are perfect for beginner and intermediate lessons. Surf lessons run all year round and are available for surfers of all skill levels.
BeKiwi has such a variety of experiences around Te Arai and the wider Northland region for you to explore.
Try out our search filters to find the ideal experience for you. Looking for volunteering opportunities? Want to find something to do that is less than $50? Or, find something that will boost your communications skills!
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