Experiences
Walks
The Mangawhai and Te Arai regions boast a wide range of walks to meet every skill and fitness level. From short 20 minute walks with rewarding panoramic views over the inner estuary to more challenging cliff, bush and sand dune walks.
Take a strenuous hike up a range of waterfalls through native bush to an ancient Kauri dam or a more leisurely walk around the estuary or a stroll along some of the region’s amazing white sandy beaches. Routes and itineraries can be custom-made to guests’ requirements with maps and directions provided. Guided walks can be arranged together with picnic packs and provisions by prior request. POA.
Get Arty & Culture
Visit local galleries or the famous Mangawhai Museum to learn about our local area. Famous Sculptureum 1 hour away in Matakana or the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail also only 1 hour away.
Golf
Ahuru House is located only 22 minutes drive from the world famous Tom Doak designed Tara Iti golf course and the highly anticipated Te Arai Links golf resort only 35 minutes and less than an hour drive from a plethora of highly rated local courses.
With Tara Iti, the world’s 2nd best golf course, and the newly opened Te Arai Links, as well as several top ranked New Zealand courses Te Arai is quickly becoming one of the world’s great golfing destinations alongside the likes of the Monterey Peninsula, St Andrews and Bandon Dunes.
Positioned alongside one of New Zealand’s most pristine beaches, Te Arai Links offers a pure links golf experience, incredible scenery and world class facilities with multiple restaurants, bars and the world’s largest putting green, called The Playground (2-acres in size).
Te Arai Links South Course (now open) is the first cab off the rank, designed by the world renown Coore and Crenshaw. Te Arai Links North Course, designed by the Tom Doak, is set to open October 2023.
Other nearby public golf courses included the spectacular seaside Mangawhai Golf Club, Waipu Golf Course and Omaha Golf Course, all of which are ranked within the top 30 courses of New Zealand and are within a 1 hour 5 minutes drive from Ahuru House.
All courses in the region are kept in great condition throughout the year and are predominately sand based with free draining fairways, native flora and spectacular views.
There are also several other internationally recognised golf courses within a few hours drive. These courses include Kauri Cliffs (currently ranked #37 in the world by Golf Digest), Carrington Golf Course, Muriwai Golf Course, Titirangi Golf Club (the only Alister Mackenzie golf course in New Zealand) and the Jack Nicklaus designed Royal Auckland Golf Course.
Sports Fishing
Experience world class sport fishing locations, modern boating, top of the line tackle and quality service and results with our friends TBD
TBD been traveling and fishing the world’s greatest locations for over for nine years. They bring their world of expertise to one of their favourite fishing grounds, the stunning Mokohinau Islands located just 25 miles off the coast of Te Arai/Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand.
The Mokohinau Islands and surrounding area are a fishing paradise with a diverse and abundant fishery frequented by large marlin, kingfish, tuna, snapper and everything in-between.
If you’re looking for an exceptional sport fishing adventure, look no further than TBD.
Eat, Drink and be Merry
Enjoy the various restaurants, wineries or local eateries. Famous Bennetts Chocolate Factory a must. Visit our two local Mangawhai markets on a Saturday morning.
Brooke Lane Vineyard have a cellar door open 7 days a week and can also give Gin tastings by prior arrangement.
Local Walks
Here are some of our favorite walks:
Mangawhai Cliff Walk
One of New Zealand’s great coastal and short walks. This walk provides breathtaking coastal views that extend from Bream Head in the north down to the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the south. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea are often seen on the horizon.
The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes to a lookout point. It then winds past ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the sheer slopes before descending to the stony beach below. From here you can walk back along the beach (8 km), but only at low tide.
2 - 3 hours
The Tanekaha Tracks
The Tanekaha Tracks on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills is one of the premier walking destinations in the North Island. Largely on public land, these spectacular walks have been developed by local volunteers and vary from ridge walks, to stream sides and waterfalls, to spectacular forest.
Currently four tracks make up a series of loops all beginning and ending at the King Road car park, giving flexibility regarding length and difficulty. After crossing a short swing bridge you will pass through a lush kanuka/tanekaha forest with groves of tree ferns and nikau palms. Depending on what track you take there are a plethora of pristine waterfalls and streams along the way, the remains of a kauri dam and great views out to the Mangawhai hinterland and sand dunes.
1 - 2 hours
Mangawhai Sand Dune Walk
Walking the deserted golden sands of the Mangawhai sand dunes starting from the Pacific Road beach car-park is a truly unique experience. From the car-park you will walk approximately 40 minutes along a pristine white sand beach with the crystal clear waters with the Pacific Ocean lapping at your feet. Approximately 40 minutes down the beach you will see the moonscape of the Mangawhai Sand Dune on your left. Climbing to the top is an exhilarating experience and well worth the effort with spectacular views at the top out to the Mangawhai coast, estuary, headlands and Tara It Golf Course.
Along the way you will see the Fairy Tern sanctuary marked by the Department of Conservation. The Fairy Tern bird is a hidden treasure within the dunes and with approximately 40 birds left is an endangered and protected species and a real highlight to look out for during your walk.
2 hours