What to do in Mangawhai
Located only an hour and a half north of Auckland’s CBD, Mangawhai is a stunning and quaint Northland town that offers a heap of fun! A dramatic coastline, stunning beaches, rolling farmland, local golf clubs and farmer’s markets, along with that small-town charm that’s hard to describe make Mangawhai somewhere truly special.
We’ve found the top four things to do in Mangawhai to make your trip extra memorable…
1. Take a scenic hike
Mangawhai Heads is divided into two parts – one with a breath-taking surf beach and the other with a safe swimming harbour. The later also boasts a large sand dune area that is home to hundreds of oystercatchers. A great way to soak in the beauty of this region is by taking the family on a coastal walk through the wetlands and native bush. The Mangawhai Cliff Walk is a great choice for those looking for a bit of a challenge and wanting to truly experience the rugged beauty of this coastal region. You’ll be delighted at what you find along the way! The Tanekaha Walking Trail is suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels, with multiple routes to choose from that bring you to the Tanekaha Falls – the perfect spot for a picnic and family photo.
2. Play in the ocean
Mangawhai beaches are stunning. But would you really expect less from this Northland region? While part of Mangawhai Heads offers rougher waters for only experienced swimmers or surfers, the main Mangawhai Heads Beach is a great place to spend the day lapping up the sun, sand and sea. Make sure to bring the boogie boards for the kids and lots of sunscreen, as this beach is quite exposed with little shade during the day.
3. Shop locally
The Mangawhai Village Market runs every Saturday and is a great place for artisan products and produce fresh from the farm. It’s a great place to spend a few hours browsing around the stalls, taste-testing samples and enjoying the local lively atmosphere. It’s also the ideal location to gather some items for an afternoon picnic and really feel immersed in the local culture.
4. Ride a donkey or play golf?
In Mangawhai, you can do both! During certain times of the year kids can enjoy donkey rides at local festivals – how cool is that!? But all year round, you can also enjoy perfecting your swing in paradise at the Mangawhai Golf Club.
Beaches, donkeys, golfing and farmer’s markets. Why wouldn’t you want to go to Mangawhai? Check out our Mangawhai holiday homes and start planning your next trip now!