[citation needed] The Mahurangi Harbour provides a sheltered anchorage for private pleasure craft in all weathers.

Approximately 17,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period when sea levels were significantly lower, the Mahurangi River flowed into the vast coastal plain that existed where the modern Hauraki Gulf exists.

Sandstone from New South Wales was used as ballast and this was dropped at the mouth of the river, where large quantities can still be found.

Warkworth has a number of small cafés, supermarkets, other stores and a post office.

There is a moderately large wharf with a floating pontoon by the waters edge, although the river all but dries out there at low tide.