Mt Manaia

While technically outside of the Bream Bay region, there is no better place to view the coastline than from the top of Mt Manaia. The craggy mountain is an ever-present presence in the bay, its rocky face and distinct silhouette an familiar neighbour to residents. It will take approximately

1.5 hours to drive to Whangarei Heads and the track entrance just outside of McLeod Bay, and approximately the same amount of time to climb the 1000-plus stairs to the top and down again. Do give it a go – the 360-degree views take in Ocean Beach, all of Bream Bay, the refinery and down the harbour towards town.