Algies Bay
Excellent safe swimming for 3 hours either side of the high tide with good sand up to the sea-walls on both sides of the main boat ramp.
Activities & Recreation
Beaches, boating, playgrounds, clubs, islands and regional parks — everything there is to do in and around Algies Bay.
- Beaches Nearby
- Boat Ramps
- Boating
- Brick Bay
- Camp Bentzon
- Charlies Gelato
- Clubs
- Goat Island Marine Reserve
- Highfield Garden Reserve
- Jane Gifford
- Kawau Boating Club
- Kawau Island
- Local Institutions
- Local Islands
- Matakana Cinemas
- Playgrounds
- Regional Parks
- Sculptureum
- Sheepworld
- Ti Point Reptile Park
- Walking Tracks
- Warkworth Museum
Beaches Nearby
Snells Beach
Good safe swimming for 2 hours either side of the high tide, however it is very flat and the water goes out some distance towards the low tide.
Martins Bay
Excellent safe swimming for all tides and, being more exposed, can get a small swell which creates ideal small waves for children with body boards.
Scotts Landing
Excellent safe swimming for 3 hours either side of the high tide.
Scandretts Bay
Excellent safe swimming for all tides.
Omaha Beach
White sandy surf beach.
Matheson Bay — Leigh
Local fine stoney based beach. Great swimming.
Goat Island
Marine reserve.
Clubs
Run a local club or group?
Do you run a club or group in the Mahurangi East area? We'd love to include your details on our Activities page so more locals can find you and get involved.
Just send us your club name, a contact phone number or email, and a line or two about what you do.
Get ListedLadies Probus Club of Warkworth
(09) 425 5325Indoor Bowling Club
(09) 425 6276Snells Beach Craft Group
(09) 425 5928Mahurangi Friendship Club (formerly Mahurangi Probus)
(09) 425 6128Mahurangi Friendship Club informationMahurangi Badminton
(09) 425 6340Mahurangi Social Club
(09) 425 8424Highfield Garden Reserve
Donkeys living at Highfield Garden Reserve began in November 1969 with the arrival of Tilly, purchased by the owners of the land, Ted & Alison Roberts. The donkeys were to carry loads for their farm and gardening projects, as well as being an interest for visiting youngsters and keeping the grass under control. Donkeys are social animals and Tilly was soon followed by Toby. The donkeys’ names all begin with a T, acknowledging Ted whose inspiration they were.
When the land at Highfield was gifted to the people of New Zealand, Alison continued to look after the donkeys. After her death, and with the blessing of the Roberts family, our local community formed an Incorporated Society to take ownership of the donkeys and a new era began.
The amalgamation of Rodney Council into Auckland City meant new systems had to be organised. Negotiations began between the Council and the Society over the welfare and responsibilities of the donkeys, bearing in mind the gift of the Highfield land and the aspirations of Ted and Alison that the donkeys would remain at Highfield. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and the community was negotiated and signed on 23 January 2014. Local Board member Steve Garner and Peter Couling, Chairman of Highfield Donkey Incorporated Society, both signed the historic document.
With community support and help from Auckland Council, the donkeys at Highfield will continue to roam as in the dream of old. The donkeys enjoy offerings of carrots, apples and silverbeet as treats. The community is encouraged to enjoy the reserve and the donkeys, but are reminded that the donkeys are wild animals and must be respected — care must be taken particularly with small children.
Walking Tracks
Coastal paths, bush tracks and the climb up Donkey Hill to Highfield — with sunrise and the tides, every walk around the bay is different.
And if you haven't found the bush track and glow worms at the southern end of Algies Bay, you're in for a treat.
Explore the walksPlaygrounds
Algies Bay Playground
42 Alexander Road, Algies Bay
Beachside playground with swings, slides, seesaw, climbing frames, pétanque and a grassy area to run around or play ball. The fall zone is bark.
Snells Beach Playground
Opposite 6 Sunrise Boulevard, Snells Beach
The largest of the three playgrounds at the beach, with climbing and spinning ropes, standard swings, pod swings, slides, a flying fox and a basketball hoop.
Martins Bay Playground
Martins Bay, Mahurangi East
Great beachside playground with toilets, open space and a basketball hoop.
More infoBoat Ramps
Algies Bay Boat Ramp
Gordon Craig Place, Algies Bay
Suitable for launching without a tractor about 3 hours either side of the tide. Otherwise a tractor is recommended.
Martins Bay Boat Ramp
Martins Bay Road, Martins Bay
A preferred boat launching spot in Mahurangi, with good access to great fishing spots and a little more forgiving with the tides. Good trailer parking, with toilets and outdoor showers close by.
Boating
Dinghy Racks
We have 32 dinghy racks available for hire, situated beside the Alexander Road boat ramp. The price is $25 per year for a top or bottom rack.
To hire, or for any enquiries, please phone Angela Reiff (027) 618 4079.
Boating Rules
To keep the bay and beach a safe area for children and adults, we encourage everyone to be mindful when using these public spaces.
- Please be careful when using vehicles on the beach.
- Patience on the boat ramp, especially during busy times.
- Keep your speed under 5 knots until you have passed the yellow 5kt buoy.
- No swimming around the ramp where boats are being launched.
Water Skiing
- Ski lanes are for access only to the offshore 200 metre mark; skiers should not ski across or in the lane unless going out or coming in.
- Ski boats should go out on starboard and return on starboard — the lane operates anticlockwise from the beach.
- Towing boats have right of way, so boats waiting to depart should give way to a boat coming in to drop off their skier.
- Access lanes are marked by orange and black posts on shore and/or orange and black buoys. Use these lanes when departing or approaching the beach at more than 5 knots.
- Observe the 5 knot speed rule at all times unless towing.
- All ski boat drivers must be over 15 years of age.
- Any vessel towing a water-skier must have an observer on board in addition to the driver.
Regional Parks
Tawharanui
Set on a remote peninsula, Tawharanui Regional Park boasts some of the Auckland region’s most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands.
- Pedestrian access: 24 hours
- Summer gates: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Winter gates: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Wenderholm
The picturesque mouth of the Puhoi River, surrounded by forested headlands, is Wenderholm — the first and perhaps still the most beautiful regional park. It contains one of Auckland’s best examples of mainland coastal forest.
- Pedestrian access: 24 hours
- Summer gates: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Winter gates: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Scandretts
Perched on the north east tip of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park encompasses Mullet Point and includes regenerating coastal forest, rocky headlands that protrude into Kawau Bay, an attractive beach and a precinct of historic farm buildings.
- Pedestrian access: 24 hours
- Summer gates: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Winter gates: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Pakiri
A stunning piece of coastal land at Pakiri was purchased in late 2005. The 52 hectare block includes 900 metres of sandy coastal foreshore and stands of inspiring mature coastal pohutukawa trees.
- Pedestrian access: 24 hours
- Gate access: 24 hours
Mahurangi
Mahurangi park protects three peninsulas at the mouth of the historic and picturesque Mahurangi Harbour. It spans the Puhoi River, north of Wenderholm, and along Te Muri Beach to Sullivans Bay and Mita Bay.
- Pedestrian access: 24 hours
- Summer gates: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Winter gates: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Local Islands
Moturekareka Island
A small island off Kawau, best known for the wreck of the Rewa lying in its bay — a favourite spot for boaties to anchor, snorkel and explore.
Public can land: a DOC scenic reserve, reached by private boat only.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
A world-famous open wildlife sanctuary where volunteers have replanted the bush and rare native birds such as takahē and kōkako thrive.
Open to visitors: day trips by ferry from Gulf Harbour, or by private boat. Check for pests and seeds before you land.
Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island)
The distinctive saddle-shaped island off Snells Beach, a familiar landmark for anyone heading out from the Mahurangi.
Access by boat only — check current access before landing.
Many of the smaller islands in Kawau Bay are private property or protected reserves. Read the Local Islands story →
Kawau Island
This beautiful island, once owned by Sir George Grey (Governor Grey), is accessible by boat or water taxi from the Sandspit wharf.
Local Institutions
Sheepworld
A working farm and local favourite for over 38 years. Hand-feed sheep, alpacas, goats and more, catch the famous live shearing show, wander the farm park eco trail and relax with great coffee and farm-fresh food at the café.
State Highway 1, near Warkworth
Visit SheepworldMatakana Cinemas
A much-loved boutique cinema in the heart of Matakana Village, showing the latest releases alongside art-house and international films. Comfy seats, a beautifully decorated building and a drink or snack from the bar make it a perfect night out.
2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana
(09) 422 9833movies@matakanacinemas.co.nzNow showingCharlies Gelato
A true Matakana institution — award-winning gelato and sorbetto made from scratch in small batches, with 40+ flavours, coffee, home baking and summer wood-fired pizza in a lovely garden setting.
17 Sharp Road, Matakana
(09) 422 7942Visit CharliesKawau Boating Club
The welcoming waterfront clubhouse on Kawau Island — a favourite stop for boaties cruising the Hauraki Gulf, with a busy calendar of club events, a friendly bar and members from all around the Mahurangi.
Kawau Island
Visit the clubJane Gifford
A sailing scow built in 1908 at Whangateau that once carted shell, metal and stock around the Gulf. Saved from near dereliction by Warkworth locals in 2005, she's now lovingly restored and available for private charter, weddings and special events.
Warkworth
Phone Dave (09) 425 5006 or (027) 484 9935
Visit Jane GiffordBrick Bay
Home of the renowned Brick Bay Sculpture Trail — a walk through native bush, wetlands and farmland dotted with contemporary New Zealand sculpture. Finish with a glass of estate wine and seasonal food at the lakeside Glass House Kitchen.
Snells Beach Road, Matakana
Visit Brick BayWarkworth Museum
Set in the stunning Parry Kauri Park, the museum tells the story of Warkworth's rich heritage through wonderful collections and exhibits. Grab an ice cream from the shop, browse local books and crafts, and enjoy a walk among the giant kauri.
Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth · Open daily 10am–3pm
Visit the museumSculptureum
One of New Zealand's most unexpected days out — wildly creative gardens, indoor galleries and over 800 artworks, plus animals and plenty of space for kids to roam. Allow 2–3 hours and stay for a meal at Rothko restaurant.
5 minutes from Matakana
Visit SculptureumTi Point Reptile Park
Home to New Zealand's largest collection of native and exotic reptiles — alligators, iguanas, tortoises, turtles, tuatara, tarantulas and more — set in coastal bush with stunning sea views. Pack a picnic and allow 1–2 hours.
Ti Point, Leigh · 5 mins from Goat Island
Visit the Reptile ParkGoat Island Marine Reserve
Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island was New Zealand's first marine reserve, established in 1975. Snorkel or dive among snapper, blue maomao and crayfish just metres from the beach, or take a kayak or glass-bottom boat trip around the island.
Goat Island Road, Leigh
Visit Goat IslandCamp Bentzon
A charity-run outdoor camp on 28 acres of bush at North Cove, bringing the outdoors to young people since 1972. School camps run on weekdays, with weekends open to families, clubs and community groups. Kayaks, sailing boats and paddle boards are all included.
North Cove, Kawau Island
(09) 422 8807campben@xtra.co.nzVisit Camp Bentzon