Mahurangi Regional Park sits on a sheltered harbour peninsula about an hour north of Auckland, near Warkworth. The park covers the western arm of the Mahurangi Harbour, with walking tracks through coastal bush and farmland, several small beaches safe for swimming, and campgrounds reachable by road or on foot. It is a quieter alternative to the better-known regional parks further south, well suited to a day trip or an overnight stay.
Practical Information
| Location | Mahurangi West, Rodney — off Mahurangi West Road, about 1 hour north of Auckland CBD |
| Road access | Otarawao (Mita) Bay only — other bays accessible by foot or boat |
| Walking tracks | Cudlip Point Loop (3 km), Mita Bay Loop (2.1 km), Tungutu Loop (1.2 km), Te Muri Track (3 km) |
| Te Muri Bay access | Two hours either side of low tide only — check tides before walking |
| Swimming | Safe swimming at Otarawao Bay and Te Muri Bay — sheltered harbour beaches |
| Camping | Tent-only campgrounds at Otarawao (Mita) Bay and Te Muri Bay |
| Facilities | Toilets, changing sheds and water at Otarawao Bay; basic facilities at Te Muri Bay |
| Dogs | Permitted on lead in most areas |
| Entry | Free (camping charged) |
About the Park
The park is split between two main areas connected by walking tracks. Otarawao (Mita) Bay is the main road-access point, with a campground, toilets and changing facilities, and a sheltered beach good for kayaking and swimming at high tide. From here, the Cudlip Point Loop Track (3 km) follows the clifftops south with views over the Mahurangi Harbour and out to the Hauraki Gulf — the best walking in the park.
Te Muri Bay is the park’s most secluded beach, reachable either by foot from the main area (with a tidal crossing required) or by boat. The Te Muri Track (3 km) connects the two areas, but the crossing point is only passable within two hours either side of low tide — checking a tide chart before setting off is essential. The bay itself is broad, sheltered and quiet, with a small tent campground.
Walking Tracks
The Cudlip Point Loop Track is the park’s highlight walk — 3 km of clifftop and bush track with views over the harbour. The track is rated highly on AllTrails and is suitable for most walkers. The shorter Mita Bay Loop (2.1 km) and Tungutu Loop (1.2 km) are easier options that stay closer to the main campground. The Te Muri Track (3 km) connects to Te Muri Bay but requires the tidal crossing.
“Mahurangi is the kind of park that doesn’t get overcrowded because it takes a bit of effort to get to. The Cudlip Point track has some of the best harbour views in the region and we practically had the place to ourselves on a Saturday. Te Muri Bay is beautiful — just make sure you check the tides before trying to get there on foot.” — visitor account, TripAdvisor
- Auckland NZ — Mahurangi Regional Park: Official visitor information with access details and what to bring.
- AllTrails — Mahurangi Regional Park: Track maps and community reviews for the walking tracks.
FAQ
Can I swim at Mahurangi Regional Park?
Yes — Otarawao Bay and Te Muri Bay are sheltered harbour beaches safe for swimming. Both are calm compared to exposed ocean beaches.
How do I get to Te Muri Bay?
Te Muri Bay is reachable on foot via the Te Muri Track, but the route includes a tidal crossing that is only safe within two hours either side of low tide. Check tide times before setting out. Alternatively, Te Muri Bay is accessible by boat.
Is Mahurangi Regional Park good for camping?
Yes — tent-only campgrounds at both Otarawao Bay and Te Muri Bay. Otarawao Bay has road access with toilets and changing facilities; Te Muri Bay is more basic and remote. Book through Auckland Council’s parks website.
How far is Mahurangi Regional Park from Auckland?
About one hour north of Auckland CBD via State Highway 1. Follow signs to Mahurangi West from near Warkworth.
See the Auckland parks and reserves guide for more walking and outdoor options across the region.