It’s wonderfully atmospheric to gaze up at Mount Manaia‘s jagged summits. It’s the kind of peak that, upon first glance, makes you want to climb it. Here are all about Mt Manaia track in NZ you need to know before walking.
1. Mount Manaia: A dominant landmark in Whangarei city
The most notable landmark in the area, Mount Manaia, is easy to see when traveling in the direction of Whangarei Heads. The mountain peaks, which rise 420 meters above sea level, are an amazing spectacle that beckons tourists to get a closer look.
- Post for you Franz Josef Glacier Walk: A Guide For Everyone
The mountain is the remnant of a once-nearly 1000-meter-tall extinct volcano that erupted around 20 million years ago, giving the region a rich history.
2. Sacred Maori mythology of the Mount Manaia
In Maori mythology, manaia is an important figure. Manaia was one of five brothers who started out on their adventure from Hawaiki, following the famous explorer Kupe to Aotearoa, according to songs by iwi like Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua. They were chastised by the Gods, nevertheless, and left immobile in the locations where we can still find them now.
According to another tale, Manaia, a rangatira (chief) of many iwi and hapū in the Northland region, and his family were all turned to stone by incantations as a result of a dispute over Manaia’s allegedly unfaithful wife. This is represented by the five peaks along the summit ridge. Manaia is symbolized by the tallest peak, his kids by lower pinnacles, and finally, his wife, who turns her head away in shame after having an affair with a servant named Paeko.
Visitors are urged to show respect for the mountain’s surrounding region, which is still considered sacred by the iwi of the area. That means sticking to the designated paths, taking only memories with you, and leaving only footprints behind.
3. Mount Manaia track
A moderate level of physical fitness is necessary for the Mount Manaia track. You’ll get a tremendous workout from the steep ascent that includes more than 1000 wooden steps almost all the way to the summit.
You are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Whangarei Harbour, including Bream Head and the Hen and Chicken Islands, from the summit as a result. You can also take advantage of the abundance of native bush, which includes nikau palms, ancient kauri, and in the summer, the vibrant pohutukawa.
Summary:
- Mount Manaia track is 4 km
- 90 minutes roundtrip
- Moderate fitness necessary
4. Getting to the top
The last section of the journey is another wooden stairway that ascends to Mount Manaia‘s highest peak, a rocky cliff with breathtaking views of the surroundings. Only five individuals at a time are permitted at the summit for safety reasons.
There isn’t much room to walk around, so be considerate of other people when posing for photos. There are no obstacles or handrails to hang onto for assistance, so use additional caution if you are traveling with youngsters.
5. Parking area
There is only one way up and down Mount Manaia. There is no roundtrip available. The lower parking lot next to Mount Manaia Club on Whangarei Heads Road, just outside McLeod Bay, is where you should start your hike.
6. The best time to climb Mount Manaia
The best time to climb Mount Manaia is on a clear day with good weather, so you can take in the breathtaking views from the top. Due to the steepness of the track and how slick it can be in wet conditions, the risk of injury increases dramatically. Early in the morning, before the sun makes hiking too taxing, the track is typically busiest.
7. Top tips and advice
- Remember to have a water bottle, especially on a scorching summer day.
- It is also strongly advised to wear a jacket because the wind-up top might be rather chilly.
- After the challenging hike, feel free to use the amenities at Mount Manaia Club and enjoy a refreshing beverage or mouthwatering meal.
- In addition, there is a public restroom in the parking lot. Before beginning the hike to the peak, make prudent plans because there are no restrooms along the route.
- Due to its steep ascent, Mount Manaia is not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs, and it is also not suggested for small children.
- If you do decide to bring kids, make sure they are well-supervised, especially at the top, where there are no barricades and limited room for movement.
