Lake Tomorata
Lake Tomarata is a recreational reserve managed by Auckland Regional Council. About 5 ha in area, it offers a good swimming and picnic spot, equipped with a changing room and a proper flush loo, and only about 2 million mosquitoes.
But it's also a good place for off-leash dog-walking. On one side of the lake there is a network of informal sandy tracks, ducking in and out of the pine trees, which together give a kilometre more of paths to explore.
Several of these tracks also feed further into the woods (part of Mangawhai Forest). These are used by both dog-walkers and horse-riders, though in most cases their official status seems uncertain. One, however, is marked as an official bridleway and runs for about 3.5 km north to Eyres Point, as well as giving access to the nearby beach.
But it's also a good place for off-leash dog-walking. On one side of the lake there is a network of informal sandy tracks, ducking in and out of the pine trees, which together give a kilometre more of paths to explore.
Several of these tracks also feed further into the woods (part of Mangawhai Forest). These are used by both dog-walkers and horse-riders, though in most cases their official status seems uncertain. One, however, is marked as an official bridleway and runs for about 3.5 km north to Eyres Point, as well as giving access to the nearby beach.
SummaryLocation: Off Atkins Road, ca. 15 km south of Mangawhai: from Mangawhai, follow Insley Street south onto Mangawhai Road; in ca. 3 km turn east onto Te Ara Point Road; after 2 km fork right onto Lake Road; at end turn right (south) down Ocean View Road south for 4.5 km, then left into Atkins Road. (Note that Atkins Road is a no exit road, unlike its depiction on topographic and road maps.)
Access: Car parking beside lake at end of small road off Atkins Road Length: ca. 2 km (one-way) Configuration: Network of paths; gives access to longer (3.5 km) track through Mangawhai Forest, to Eyres Point. Grade: Flat; informal track Status: off leash (under control) Cafes and restaurants: Smashed Pipi and Bennett's cafes at Mangawhai, 15 km north. More information: |