- The trail begins by following the beach...
- Looking south - back towards Mangawhai Heads
- Nikau Palms. Native to New Zealand, they are the world's southern-most naturally occurring palm tree
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikau - The hike starts at Mangawhai Heads - a popular surfing beach
- ...then climbs uphill
- In 1769 James Cook (the first European to explore this coast) named these islands 'Hen and Chickens'
...perhaps because the peaks on the largest island reminded him of the beak of a hen. - ...and he named this rock 'Sail Rock'
- ...but only when it's close to low tide.
- The trail ends at the base of the cliff. From here, you can return along the rocks/beach...
- Shells piled up on the beach
- Scallop shell on the beach
- North Island Robin ('Toutouwai')
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Island_robin - Looking towards Rangitoto Island from the Wattle Track
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangitoto_Island - Tui at the feeding station, near the visitors' centre
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_(bird) - Kakariki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakariki