Mangonui

Mangonui is a little port town with a great history and a big heart.

From a rough sailor’s whaling settlement and milling town it now turned to a sleepy and a must-visit tourist destination. Surrounded by uncrowded and beautiful sandy beaches, it is a high-favored place among locals and travelers.

HISTORY and HERITAGE of MANGONUI

Historical Mangonui is one of the oldest European settlements in Northland and overall in New Zealand. It carries a big significance value to both the Māori and the Europeans.

Photos provided by doubtlessbay.co.nz

Mangonui is named after the taniwha guardian.

According to the Māori tradition, the legendary Taniwha is a guardian that is a supernatural creature that can take any form and become any creature. In the history of Mangonui, according to the legend, taniwha took form of a giant shark and accompanied the canoe Riukaramea into the harbour, with a Paoa Māori chief on it arriving to Mangonui.

In Māori language, Mangonui means ‘great or big shark’ (Mango: shark; nui: large, or many)

In earlier ears, Mangonui was a busy whaling town, that with time transformed into a milling town. As a sailor’s town, it had a bad reputation of a badly lawless place, where anything and anyone has been able to be bought for a price.

Because of the area being rich in Kauri tree forests, Mangonui was famous for producing long un-knotted trunks for ships, spars, and masts. Moreover, the Kauri trees provide big supplies of Kauri Gum that was highly valued in Europe. In the 20th century, 450,000 tons of gum was exported and used for chewing, tattooing, jewelry and more.

TODAY MANGONUI IS A POPULAR TOURISTIC DESTINATION

A laid-back town with calm waters, unspoiled coastline, nice food, beautiful tracks and relaxing environment. It is a popular area for fishing, catching shellfish, has a number of markets running every week and is home to the world’s famous Mangonui Fish Shop, with best fish & chips in the area.

Taniwha Guardians Stamp marks. Source walkingtheshadowlands.com

Panoramic view of the Mangonui harbor

Things to do

Mangonui Famous fish shop. Eat locally caught fish landed at Mangonui Wharf by a local fisherman while the ocean waves roll under your feet.
Explore beaches around Mangonui. Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Hihi – all of these beaches are uncrowded and unspoiled, with beautiful sands, offering you to walk along them and enjoy the sea views. Watch the sunrise right above the ocean on any of these beaches or enjoy a pieceful walk during the sunset, with dreamy purple colours of the skies.
Buttler Point Whaling Museum. It is a privately owned 26-hectare property, that has strong historical ties with the whaling industry. For around 5 decades, the Ferguson Family have been developing the property into a Macadamia orchard and today it is one of the most fascinating heritage tourism destination!
Rangikapiti Pa Historic Reserve. It will take you 20 minutes, as you enjoy the walk, climb and get to the triangular point, with spectacular and breathtaking views of gorgeous big Doubtless Bay and sheltered small Mill Bay and Mangonui Harbour.

Tracks and Walks

Mangonui Heritage Trail is a nice energetic walk around Mangonui, following historical markers. Just 30 minutes long, it will take you through the residential streets of the town, including historic homes. See Trip Advisor reviews.
Rangikapiti Pa walk. Enjoy the panoramic views over Mangonui Harbour and the whole of Doubtless Bay. Rangikapiti Pa is the major historic feature of the reserve it is located in and is of a great significance for the local iwi Ngati Kahu.
Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve Walk. It is an easy coastal walk with 360 degrees views of Doubtless Bay and Coopers Beach from all sides! You will see plenty of old native trees, including blooming Pohutukawa if walking in summer. Take a camera with you.

Markets

Mangonui Tuesday Night Market. Runs every Tuesday 5.30-8pm and is located next to the Mangonui hotel. Visit it to get some locally made produce and crafts.
Mangonui Craft Market that is held on Saturdays, 9am – 1.30pm. Held in the local Mangonui Hall (132 Waterfront Drive, Mangonui) every Saturday with the local crafts and produce items available: Local olive oil, Kauri products, Paua and shell products, Jewellery, Knitting, Aprons, oven mitts, cushions, children’s hats, etc., Handmade cards, Local produce, homemade jams and pickles, baking, Gel Candles, Photos on canvas.