Mana Bay offers easy car parking for both the lookout and the beach access. There is also a playground next to the car park.

Swimming – the beach is unpatrolled.

Surf – best on the south side of the river mouth at high tide.

Fishing – there is a boat launch at Mana Bay

See – the remains of the S.S. Waitangi shipwreck can be found submerged in the sand at low tide. You can also see the remains of the old wharf.