From Mangawhai Heads carpark, follow the road to the walkway by 44 Wintle St which leads down to the estuary.  Follow the estuary past a camping ground, a boat ramp & holiday baches until wooden steps lead up to the Findlay Street walkway. From Findlay Street, it’s left into Molesworth Drive until reaching the Mangawhai Village. Then it’s a right into Moir St, left into Insley St and across the estuary then left into Black Swamp Rd. Follow this road until reaching Pacific Rd (note: an earlier beach access is being negotiated) which leads you through a forestry block to the beach and the next stage of Te Araroa.
Bypass Note: You could obtain a boat ride across the estuary to the Mangawhai Spit to avoid the road walking section. Care of sand-nesting birds is required on this Scientific Wildlife Reserve – please stick to the shoreline.