From the car park at Mangawhai Heads walk north along the beach past outcrops and low cliffs of dacite and to the end of the sandy beach, past the track leading up the spur to the Mangawhai Coastal Walkway. Follow the coast north (over rocks called the 'Waipapa Terrane basement ') to reach a small sheltered beach, on the north side of which is the columnar jointed dacite. At low or half tide you can continue walking north to where the Waipu Coastal Walkway descends, just south of Bream Tail. The Mangawhai Coastal Walkway is a pleasant return trip.
A safe and easy walk at low or half tide
Easy walk along beach and non-slippery rocks to get to the columnar dacite. Moderate walk further north over boulder beach. Mangawhai Coastal Walkway is a good formed track. It ascends to about 120 m above sea level (formed steps). Spectacular coastal views make it worth the effort.