SEAL PUPS, ROCK POOLS & MUSSELS
01 AUGUST 2022
Seal pups 100 meters around the rocks from the entrance
Rugged West Coast
Maunganui Bluff is at Aranga Beach (also Ripiro Beach... vuuury confusing) and is a typical New Zealand west coast beach, with its rugged cliffs and big waves, it boasts beautiful views and just as beautiful sunsets. Once you get down onto the beach, there is a beautiful stretch of long sand to the left and rocks & boulders to the right.
You can harvest mussels, catch rock cod, explore rock pools, see seals & pups and take amazing photos. There is a hike at the bluff that takes 1.5 hours to get to the summit that we would have loved to have done but didn't get to with the bad weather. It has incredible views and is just over 10kms.
We were staying only 20 minutes away from the bluff at Kai Iwi Lakes Resort, so we visited here a few times and it never disappointed.
You can harvest mussels, catch rock cod, explore rock pools, see seals & pups and take amazing photos. There is a hike at the bluff that takes 1.5 hours to get to the summit that we would have loved to have done but didn't get to with the bad weather. It has incredible views and is just over 10kms.
We were staying only 20 minutes away from the bluff at Kai Iwi Lakes Resort, so we visited here a few times and it never disappointed.
Sienna & Arabella exploring the rock pools at Maunganui Bluff
Exploring, exploring aaaand more exploring
Our First Visit
The first time we went, it was late afternoon on our trip after visiting Opononi and Tane Mahuta. It was a windy day and the waves were huge and rough. Definitely not a place we would want to be swimming in!
We were told that we could collect mussels and catch rock cod. The tide was coming in but we still had a while before it was high tide, so we set off to explore around the rocks. Often the rock cod get stuck in the rock pools so you can catch them for a feed.
Despite the rough, breaking waves, it was a peaceful place to explore with no one else around. The boulders were easy to climb over or go around and we spent about an hour taking pics, finding mussels and the girls found some nice shells.
We were told that we could collect mussels and catch rock cod. The tide was coming in but we still had a while before it was high tide, so we set off to explore around the rocks. Often the rock cod get stuck in the rock pools so you can catch them for a feed.
Despite the rough, breaking waves, it was a peaceful place to explore with no one else around. The boulders were easy to climb over or go around and we spent about an hour taking pics, finding mussels and the girls found some nice shells.
New Zealand green lipped mussels
Collecting Mussels
At low tide, there is an abundance of New Zealand green lipped mussels which you can collect and take home (or eat raw at the beach!). You can usually find them at the base of the big rocks either in or out of the rock pools.
There wasn’t much life going on in the rock pools like crabs and sea bugs, but it made it easier to spot the mussels. We walked about 50 metres from the start of the rocks along to the left, before we found mussels that were ready for harvest. The girls had a lot of fun searching for them and seeing who could find the biggest one. Some mussels were easy enough to pull off the rocks but others we used a knife. Down towards the shore the rocks were a bit slippery, so we stayed up the rocks a bit further. Each time we went, we collected a small bag full. We didn't need masses so we just took what we needed.
There is a limit of 50 mussels per person and they must be over 7cms, so be sure to stick to this. It’s well sign posted as you head down to the beach so make sure you take note. Not only because it's fair, but because you will get checked by the fisheries officers if they are on the beach. This happened to us! We were heading back across the rocks and the officers made a bee-line for us and asked us how many mussels we had. We only had about 10 in a bag so not a problem. It just stops one person from taking hundreds a day and there being none left for anyone else.
You can also catch rock cod in the rock pools once the tide has gone out. Lath saw one and tried to catch it, but the rocks were too slippery to stay on and the tide was coming back in.
There wasn’t much life going on in the rock pools like crabs and sea bugs, but it made it easier to spot the mussels. We walked about 50 metres from the start of the rocks along to the left, before we found mussels that were ready for harvest. The girls had a lot of fun searching for them and seeing who could find the biggest one. Some mussels were easy enough to pull off the rocks but others we used a knife. Down towards the shore the rocks were a bit slippery, so we stayed up the rocks a bit further. Each time we went, we collected a small bag full. We didn't need masses so we just took what we needed.
There is a limit of 50 mussels per person and they must be over 7cms, so be sure to stick to this. It’s well sign posted as you head down to the beach so make sure you take note. Not only because it's fair, but because you will get checked by the fisheries officers if they are on the beach. This happened to us! We were heading back across the rocks and the officers made a bee-line for us and asked us how many mussels we had. We only had about 10 in a bag so not a problem. It just stops one person from taking hundreds a day and there being none left for anyone else.
You can also catch rock cod in the rock pools once the tide has gone out. Lath saw one and tried to catch it, but the rocks were too slippery to stay on and the tide was coming back in.
Sienna collecting mussels
The mussel & rock cod limits & minimum measurements
Sienna watching the seal pups from a distance
Seal Pups
We were so lucky to have seen 5 seal pups AND an adult seal on the same day! When we walked down to the beach, there was a biiiiiig mama seal sleeping on a large rock. She didn't seem too fussed at all by humans and dogs passing her by. She was either sick or reeeeally tired.
After spending some time exploring the rocks, we went round a bit further and Lath suddenly spotted 2 seal pups heading down to the water. They probably got spooked by us. It was really cool seeing them running? Walking? Flafloosing down to the water and gliding into the ocean.
We carried on further and came upon 3 more pups relaxing right by the cliff. We kept our distance and watched them for a while and took photos. I was glad to have my camera with me so I could get some close-up shots! We went careful to make sure mama seal wasn’t around cause she might unleash on us around her pups! Two went down to the sea but the youngest just gave us the look and went back to sleep.
We were so lucky to see pups as last time we had seen seals was on our South Coast Walk down in Wellington and we only saw adult seals.
After spending some time exploring the rocks, we went round a bit further and Lath suddenly spotted 2 seal pups heading down to the water. They probably got spooked by us. It was really cool seeing them running? Walking? Flafloosing down to the water and gliding into the ocean.
We carried on further and came upon 3 more pups relaxing right by the cliff. We kept our distance and watched them for a while and took photos. I was glad to have my camera with me so I could get some close-up shots! We went careful to make sure mama seal wasn’t around cause she might unleash on us around her pups! Two went down to the sea but the youngest just gave us the look and went back to sleep.
We were so lucky to see pups as last time we had seen seals was on our South Coast Walk down in Wellington and we only saw adult seals.
One of the 5 seal pups we were lucky enough to see
Cutey McCuteness
Mama seal resting on the rock near the entrance to the beach
Beautiful view of Maunganui Bluff
Incredible Scenery
Maunganui Bluff is one of the most beautiful places we have been. Every turn you take, the place looks stunning. The wildlife is an absolute treat, with seals, kingfisher and rock cod stuck in rock pools at low tide, you'll never get sick of this place!
The haze from the sea spray gave some really nice composure for photos against the bluff and for taking photos of the kingerfisher on the rocks. We spent ages taking photos of the bluff - every angle was the same view but it showcased different elements.
One afternoon after exploring the bluff, we found a big piece of driftwood on the beach where we set up a picnic. It was nice to chill and enjoy the peace of the beach and the girls spent ages collecting driftwood to make a campfire. Don't worry, we didn't light it! There is a fire ban on the beach which is a shame because it would be an epic place to set one up. The girls really enjoy learning these kind of life skills while we are on our adventures.
The haze from the sea spray gave some really nice composure for photos against the bluff and for taking photos of the kingerfisher on the rocks. We spent ages taking photos of the bluff - every angle was the same view but it showcased different elements.
One afternoon after exploring the bluff, we found a big piece of driftwood on the beach where we set up a picnic. It was nice to chill and enjoy the peace of the beach and the girls spent ages collecting driftwood to make a campfire. Don't worry, we didn't light it! There is a fire ban on the beach which is a shame because it would be an epic place to set one up. The girls really enjoy learning these kind of life skills while we are on our adventures.
Aranga Beach
View towards the bluff
A kingfisher resting on the rocks
Know Before You Go
- It's not a safe swimming beach
- You can collect mussels and rock cod, but make sure you know the size and limit
- You can drive onto the beach by 4x4 only!
- There are toilets before the entrance to the beach
- There is a fire ban on the beach
- There are no shops near by, the closest would be Dargaville or Opononi
- Take a measuring tape and bag if you plan on taking mussels & rock cod
- Bring shoes with good grip if you plan on exploring the rocks
- We recommend going when the tide is out or going out, so you can explore the rock pools & boulders
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
40 mins north of Dargaville
1 hour 20 mins west of Whangarei
1 hour 10 mins south of Opononi
20 mins south of Kai Iwi Lakes
40 mins south of Tane Mahuta
The road is well sign posted. Once you turn off the main highway, it's a mere 6kms down to the bluff on a mostly unsealed road. You'll come to a small group of houses, keep going straight and you'll see a grassy bay to park on or you can drive down onto the beach but ONLY if you're in a 4x4... you will get stuck and it's a steep, broken path heading down!
The path down to the beach is a little bit steep and broken and sometimes has a stream running across it, to be sure to wear suitable shoes in case it's slippery. It's not suitable for anyone who's not sure footed.
There are toilets near the carpark.
1 hour 20 mins west of Whangarei
1 hour 10 mins south of Opononi
20 mins south of Kai Iwi Lakes
40 mins south of Tane Mahuta
The road is well sign posted. Once you turn off the main highway, it's a mere 6kms down to the bluff on a mostly unsealed road. You'll come to a small group of houses, keep going straight and you'll see a grassy bay to park on or you can drive down onto the beach but ONLY if you're in a 4x4... you will get stuck and it's a steep, broken path heading down!
The path down to the beach is a little bit steep and broken and sometimes has a stream running across it, to be sure to wear suitable shoes in case it's slippery. It's not suitable for anyone who's not sure footed.
There are toilets near the carpark.
Conclusion
You can get a 2 for 1 if you come here to explore the bluff and do a hike as well and explore the incredible scenery the bluff has to offer. Take your time to explore the rock pools and gather some mussels and let us know if you spot a rock cod!
The bluff is a peaceful place, has incredible scenery and if you're lucky you'll spot some seal pups at the right time of year.
The kids will have a blast and you may even catch a rock cod for dinner.
The bluff is a peaceful place, has incredible scenery and if you're lucky you'll spot some seal pups at the right time of year.
The kids will have a blast and you may even catch a rock cod for dinner.
Gallery of Maunganui Bluff
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to explore near Maunganui Bluff
KAI IWI LAKES
NORTHLAND These are the clearest lakes we have seen in the North Island. Perfect place to relax in summer or take the boat out and catch some trout.
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TROUNSON KAURI PARK
NORTHLAND This sheltered walk is part of the Kauri Coast Trail in Northland where you get to experience giant kauri trees up close.
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RIPIRO BEACH
NORTHLAND NZ's largest drivable beach is on the rugged west coast of Northland. You can see seals, explore the cliffs and even go for a fish.
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