Welcome to Te Arai! Your journey, whether it be just for the day, or for an extended holiday has landed you here – and there are so many adventures calling your name! This beautiful little corner of the world boasts a myriad of adventures for ALL ages and travellers; from the solo traveller hoping to meet new friends, to the family passing through with young children – there’s something for everyone!
EXPERIENCE THE TE ARAI COASTAL WALK
Who for? Perfect for those who like to stay active
Where is it? Right in the heart of Te Arai!
This walk takes you from Te Arai along the cliff tops to Forestry Beach and offers spectacular views throughout the entire trail. It is a beautiful and isolated walk. Keep an eye out for the New Zealand Fairy Tern and the Northern New Zealand Dotterel.
TRY A HOT CHOCOLATE AT BENNETT’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Who for? Great for the chocolate lovers
Where is it? Located in Mangawhai.
Bennetts is a popular cafe and chocolate maker in Mangawhai Village. Enjoy their delicious range of mouth watering chocolates and delicacies. Hot tip; you can’t look past their hot chocolate on cooler days. Best chocolate in Auckland & Northland (we might be biased though).
Check out their website.
VISIT FORESTRY BEACH
Who for? Beach lovers wanting a little more privacy.
Where is it? A quick 5 minute drive from Te Arai Beach
Forestry Beach is an absolute must-see. It’s much more off-the-track than Te Arai and Mangawhai meaning less tourists and more peace and quiet. It’s a great beach to take the little ones too as well with generally calm ocean conditions.
EXPERIENCE A SNORKEL TOUR AT GOAT ISLAND
Who is it for? All ages and stages.
Where is it? Leigh, an hour’s drive away – make a day of it!
For those who love their underwater world, this is an experience you will NEVER forget. Goat Island is located just a one hour drive from Te Arai Beach but is a great idea for those having an extended stay in and trying to jam-pack their escape with fantastic summer activities. Salt Water Eco are the go-to company for booking your snorkelling adventure.
Check out their website.
EXPERIENCE THE MANGAWHAI CLIFF TOP WALK
Who for? Great for those who like to stay active on their holidays!
Where is it? In Mangawhai
This amazing walk takes you along the beach, up along the cliff tops with panoramic views and through cooling patches of bush where a native pigeon may be seen feeding on the nikau berries.
CHECK OUT THE MANGAWHAI MUSEUM
Who for? Those seeking a little history!
Where is it? Mangawhai
With stories as diverse as WWII shipwrecks and geology at the beach, the museum offers a fascinating look through Mangawhai’s past and the people who shaped it. It’s a fantastic way to educate the kids and show them a little bit of history about the places that they are visiting.
Check out their website.
SWIM IN THE TE ARAI QUARRY
Who for? Great for families
Where is it? Te Arai Beach
Great for those with teens, the quarry provides fun for the whole family. It is the perfect spot, out of the waves to take the little ones swimming, or, if a little more adrenaline you’re after, climb the rocks and take a leap back into the deep quarry waters!
TRY A SURF LESSON AT TE ARAI BEACH WITH AOTEAROA SURF
Who for? Perfect for ALL ages and stages.
Where is it? Right in the heart of Te Arai!
You simply cannot visit without trying your hand at surfing! Whether you’ve never even touched a surfboard before, or have dabbled in the sport but never quite got into it, the team at Aotearoa Surf School will be sure to get you up and riding the waves in no time – with heaps of fun guaranteed!
Book a surf lesson here.
