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