Cudlip Point Loop Track | Short Walks In Auckland

Cudlip Point Loop Track is a stunning walkway in the Mahurangi Regional Park, about 50 minutes drive north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  This track is one of three main walks in the park and includes amazing coastal views, beautiful beaches and a range of grasslands and native bush.  It is quite hilly, so requires a reasonable standard of fitness.

Views of Mahurangi Harbour — Views of the stunning Mahurangi Harbour

Walk Time	45 – 75 mins – 3.2km (yellow)
Surface	Gravel or Grass Tracks
Difficulty	3/5 – some steep sections
Buggies/Wheelchairs	1/5 – Steep up and down sections plus the surface can be slippery. Buggie’s may be possible if dry and you are very fit and strong. No good for wheelchairs except by beach.
Facilities	Toilets, Water, Seats, Swimming, Beach, Camping
Dogs	Dogs on a lead permitted on track
Highlights	Beach, Views, Nature. Rocks for fishing

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Download a pdf version of the Cudlip Point Loop Map

Cudlip Point Loop Track Description

This Loop Track surprised me with its beauty, variety and challenge. The views are superb as the Mahurangi Penninsula juts out into the Ocean, providing water and beaches on both its ‘coasts’. The track is quite steep in places and is a mix of gravel and grass trail.

Views across the Inlet to Te Muri Beach Mahurangi Regional Park — The Inlet to Te Muri Beach can be crossed at low tide

We commenced our walk at the higher carpark, the parking spot that greets you after entering the Regional Park. You could also opt to veer left and head down the hill to Sullivans Bay and start your walk there. This is probably recommended if you want to swim and picnic at the beach.

If starting at the top carpark, take the further right track entrance that heads towards Te Muri Bay. This winds its way downhill for 10-15 minutes on a good gravel track until it reaches the water’s edge. If starting at the carpark, follow the road or grass track as per the GPS Map up to the top carpark and then continue as above.

Upon reaching the inlet, you track alongside the waterway, through bush and patches of grass for about 10 minutes before turning left and heading up a steep incline. You could also have crossed the inlet to Te Muri Beach if you desire and walk to the campsite or follow the track towards the end of the inlet. Note: the inlet can only be crossed at low tide and remember you do need to get back again also!

Mirror views on the Te Muri Esturary — Mirror views on the Estuary

Head up the hill and towards the top of the ridge where you start to get the reward with some stunning vistas. When we completed the track, there was a detour that took us to the ridge as the cliff-top track through the bush was unstable. You have the choice of going right and heading through the gate to Cudlip Point Lookout or turning left and heading back along the ridge towards Sullivans Bay. The Lookout here gives views across the Gulf, looking East – they are ok but there are a lot of trees that block aspects of the view.

The walk along the ridgeline to Sullivans is stunning. Views looking north up the coast are ‘million dollars’ and ahead are the views into beautiful Mahurangi Harbour. prior to your decent to the beach, you can choose to go straight ahead or veer right and down the fenceline, which is the shorter option.

The red markers indicate the Cudlip Point Mahurangi track — Red markers indicate the track

Sullivans Beach is beautiful and fine for swimming, especially with higher tides. There are good facilities here, including toilets, water fountains, an information kiosk and a campground if you wish to stay overnight.

If you started at the top carpark, walk back along the beach and up the steep grass hill back to the car. If you started at Sullivans Beach, you are finished!

If you still desire more walking and even more stunning views, add the option of the Mita Loop Track that commences at the western end of Sullivans Bay.

Buggies and Wheelchairs

The tracks in Mahurangi Regional Park are steep and unsuitable for wheelchairs. If you are get and strong, you should be able to push a buggie with a baby around the Cuplip Point Loop Track but be aware that places are a bit slippery under foot and steep. The Mita Loop is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.