Magical Mangawhai

The magical Mangawhai is located in the Northland region, spreading between Kaiwaka and Waipu, and being just 105km away from Auckland. It is known for its spectacular white beaches, great surfing and fishing spots, breath taking scenery and creative local community.

Mangawhai got its name from the early Māori, calling it the ‘ stream of the stingray’ that can be frequently seen in the area, along with a diverse amount of other marine life.

Mangawhai has always played an important role in Māori and New Zealand history. From the 18th century, it has been the main access point to Kaipara. It has also been a place for the early Māori and English settlers with their gumdigging, Kauri milling, farming and more.

Today Mangawhai is a luxurious place and a popular seaside holiday destination. It is home to a diverse local artistic community, avocado and olive growers, chocolate craftsmen, wine makers and more. Many locals choose to have a batch in this area or to come to visit it for their holidays. It is also a very popular wedding destination.

Magical Mangawhai Wedding, as featured on Beauty On Demand – The leading Bridal Hair and Makeup Artists

Panoramic view of the Mangawhai Coastal Area

Nested between the Pacific coast and rolling farmland, Mangawhai is truly magical.

Mangawhai Surf Beach

Considered the best surfing spot in the area, for more advanced surfers. It is located at the end of Wintle Road, near the Mangawhai surf club.

This beach has also got a little cute island, that is worth exploring at low tide, especially underwater with rich and deverce marine life! Octopuses, endless amounts of shells and crabs, snappers and other local fish..

Mangawhai Heads Beach

Offers sheltered waters of the harbour with lots of stingrays to witness and fish to catch.

Highly-Recommended

Camping on the beach in the Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park. This camping spot is ideals for families, offering spectacular fishing and safe swimming area.

Mangawhai tracks

  • Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is one of the best walks in the area. Just 5km, this scenic walk will take you along a flat long beach area, taking you up the stair to continue the journey along the cliffs with breathtaking views and shaded areas from the native bush. safe for families and kids, with well-maintained paths and surrounded by ancient native trees. Best to walk at low tides.
  • Mangawhai Estuary Walk is just 3h long, offering stunning coastal experience. See the endemic and endangered dotterels nesting, NZ Fairy terns and spectacular seashell middens.
  • The Tahekaha Forest Track is only 2km long, offering an easy and joyful wonder through the regenerating native forest, walk along a swing bridge and enjoy the views from the top of the trig.
  • The Tahekaha Falls Tracks is 2 hours long, taking you along the swing bridge, stream and brings to a fall hidden in the bush.
Magical Mangawhai-13

Art, Culture & CRAFTS

  • Mangawhai Museum. Explore how the area was developed, what local communities are doing throughout history and discover the exciting life around the Mangawhai harbor.
  • Mangawhai is home to Bennetts Chocolates, wine labels Te Whai Bay, Millars and Lochiel plus olive oil producers Toru Waiwai, Divinity, EVO and Lola.

Local Markets & FOOD

  • Mangawhai Tavern Market. Running every Saturday, 8.30am – 1pm, it offers a fantastic fruit and vege local produce, crafts, art, food caravans, music and more!
  • Kaiwaka Cheese Shop – sells both local and imported cheese varieties that would satisfy any cheese-lover. Explore the wide range of cheeses that can not be found in local supermarkets. 
  • Bennets Hand-crafted chocolate is simply yummm! Made only from the best Belgian couverture and local ingredients, Bennets makes outstanding chocolate crafts since 1998. 

Experience not to miss

  • Surfing lessons for all ages and levels, right in one of the best surfing location – Mangawhai Surf Beach!
  • Camping on the beach in the Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park. This camping spot is ideals for families, offering spectacular fishing and safe swimming area.
  • Te Whai Bay Wines. Taste and buy your own handcrafted high-quality Mangawhai local wines, produced in a limited quantities.

Usefull Links

  • Mangawhai Tides – outcomingnor low tide is the best for doing the cliff walk and snorkeling on the Mangawhai surf beach.
  • Mangawhai Events – local community events, markets, Christmas festivals and more.