The Mangawhai Cliffs form the eastern edge of the headland, dropping vertically into the Pacific north of the harbour entrance. The cliff faces are layered sandstone and the small bay at their base — sometimes accessible at low tide, often not — is one of the prettiest spots on this coast.
The cliffs are seen from the upper part of the walkway, and from the lookout you can usually spot gannets and sometimes dolphins below. The best section is the northern stretch, where the cliff curves out to a low point that drops to a kelp-fringed reef. Take care if you walk along the base at low tide — the tide turns quickly and people get stranded here.