McLeod Bay Foreshore

Mount Manaia's jagged summit rises straight behind this playground on the McLeod Bay foreshore at Whangārei Heads, with the harbour a stone's throw from the swings. Reviewers pair a play here with a swim in the sheltered bay, a picnic on the lawn and fish and chips from up the road.¹

Equipment

Whangarei District Council chose a timber two-tower unit built to handle holiday crowds and salt air.² A low tower with a ground-level shop counter and ladder suits toddlers, while the taller roofed side brings a wide double slide, a curving slide, a rope climbing net, swinging stepping discs and monkey bars that parents rate for six to ten year olds. Around it sit a rotating rope lantern nest, a log seesaw, rainbow conga drums and a two-bay swing,² plus a half-buried tyre to clamber over. It all stands on bark chip inside a timber edge.

Practical Info

The play area is not fenced. Low timber rails separate the lawn from Whangārei Heads Road, which runs right alongside, so watch little ones on that side. Shade is the common gripe: a stand of big pōhutukawa shades the lawn and a picnic table by the water, but nothing covers the equipment and several parents wish for a shade sail. A toilet block is close by, and the McLeod Bay takeaway sells fish and chips, burgers and ice creams a short walk away. Bring beach shoes for the rocks, which carry oyster shells. The bay is a weekend and holiday favourite,² though outside those times reviewers have found it quiet.

The Mount Manaia Track starts from the club car park above the bay, a steep 4 km return climb with no dogs,³ and a swim and play here make a good finish. A walk around to Reotahi Beach starts at the floating wharf.¹ Taurikura Foreshore, about 3 km further along the road, has another seaside playground.

History and Cultural

The bay is named for the Nova Scotian settlers led by Rev. Norman McLeod, who arrived around 1855.⁴ Mount Manaia is wāhi tapu for Ngātiwai and other iwi and hapū; its craggy peaks are said to be Manaia's family, turned to stone.³