Mahurangi Regional Park is a coastal park on the northeastern coast of Auckland, about a one-hour drive from the CBD. I find Mahurangi to be less busy than other regional parks around the city, but there are still plenty of stunning beaches, scenic walking tracks, and dreamy picnic spots.

The park is divided into different sections, which are all accessed separately. Mahurangi West is the most popular and is home to three pōhutukawa-covered bays. These are sheltered, family-friendly swimming beaches with picnic tables, walking trails, and a nearby campground. There are two other sections of the park: visit Scott Point, and you'll see the historic Scott Homestead, or take your boat to remote Mahurangi East.

How to get there

Each section of the park has its own access point:

• Mahurangi West – 51km (50 minutes) from Auckland CBD. Drive north on State Highway 1 via the Northern Gateway Toll Road. Turn right onto Mahurangi West Road (about 5km after the tunnel), then right onto Ngarewa Drive and follow it to the end.

• Scott Point – 75km (70 minutes) from Auckland CBD. Take State Highway 1 to Warkworth and then follow the signs to Snells Beach. Continue driving and turn right onto Ridge Road (around 600m past Algies Bay). Scott Point is located at the end of the road.

• Mahurangi East – Only accessible by boat.