...the ultimate destination for rest and recreation
                      where life is a beach and much more too.... 

Our Harbour                                                            

Mangawhai's Harbour, the theme of the new (Mangawhai Museum) has always played an important part in our rich and varied history, beginning with the Maori settlements, through to the early English settlers with their gum digging, shipping and kauri milling in the late 1800's  and on to the present day as a popular seaside holiday destination.  Mangawhai is also home to many artists and craftsmens, lifestylers who contribute to the thriving chocolate making, avocado, wine and olive oil industries, and young families looking for a more relaxed way of life.

Activities / Attractions

In summer Mangawhai buzzes with holiday home owners and tourists enjoying the many diverse activities and events on offer.  With 5 beaches within a 15 minute drive you are spoiled for choice, whether it is sailing, fishing, surfing or just lazing on the golden expanses of sand.  The Mangawhai Surf Lifesaving Club runs a popular summer programme of family-oriented beach activities; the entertainment featuring top New Zealand bands at the historic harbourside Tavern is legendary and the Golf Club hosts many open tournaments while bowls and petangue are available at the adjacent Bowling Club.  The annual summer carnival is held every January 2nd and is hugely popular for its' full day of sideshows, stalls, displays and entertainment. 

Kayak across the harbour to the sand dunes or explore quiet mangrove-lined tributaries. Mangawhai's sand dunes are a dominant feature of the harbour.  Administered by the Department of Conservation, they are home to the rare fairy and Caspian tern, variable oystercatcher and the New Zealand dotterel.

Fitness enthusiasts can participate in the Annual Triathlon, explore the many bush and ocean walks or register for the highlight of the year, the Mangawhai Walking Weekend which is held in either March or April each year.  Experience the real magic of Mangawhai on the many guided coastal, farm and bush walks.  Feast your eyes on the panoramic gulf views from the Whangarei Heads to Pakiri.

Mangawhai boasts a thriving arts community, with over 40 artistans and craftspeople combining to open their studios for the annual Mangawhai Art Trail, held in conjunction with the Walking Weekend.

Foodies are well catered for with licensed cafes/restaurants serving a diverse range of styles (and yes, the coffee is great, too!), tastings at the local vineyard and award-winning olive oil estates, weekly organic farmers market and delicious, lovingly handcrafted chocolates from our own local chocolatiere.

Shopping / Retail

You don't just get one Mangawhai - there are two!  Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village are linked by a picturesque causeway surrounded by native wetlands and bush. Both have thriving shopping centres with licensed cafes, restaurants, liquor outlets, art galleries, specialty shops and fuel outlets as well as a wide range of other retail services and an ATM at the Heads.  Both the Heads and the Village have well-stocked superettes.

Accommodation

Accommodation options range from Qualmark 4 star cottage style motels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds, backpackers or holiday homes and baches so plan your escape today and come on over to our place. Prepare to be spellbound in Magical Mangawhai!

Location

You will find us on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway just 90 minutes drive from the Auckland CBD (turn off SH1 just north of Te Hana) or 50 minutes south of Whangarei (turn off SH1 at Waipu).

Located midway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, Mangawhai is an ideal stopover for international travellers wishing to rest up before or after a long-haul flight.

Today's Weather Click on the logo above to see today's weather in Mangawhai