Things to do in Mangawhai

Mangawhai is a popular holiday destination and weekend getaway an easy 80 minutes drive north of Auckland on Northland’s picture perfect east coast.

Mangawhai has two parts, Mangawhai Village and Mangawhai Heads.

The attractions are white sandy beaches, walkways, cafes, and artisan galleries, vineyards and the chocolate factory.  There is a permanent population of approximately 6000 people.

Mangawhai Lodge is the perfect base to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities around Mangawhai or a base to explore the treasures of Northland, North Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

The Mangawhai Heads surf beach is patrolled in summer, and the sheltered harbor is ideal for windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking and swimming.  The Mangawhai area is becoming a growing golfing hub with the quality Mangawhai Golf Course, the exclusive Tara iti within the greater Mangawhai area and Te Arai Links and Waipu Golf Courses 25 minutes drive from Mangawhai Lodge.

There are several walkways, five beaches and the Tomarata Lakes all within 10 minutes’ drive. The Mangawhai Bird Sanctuary and several other ornithological sites are within a half days drive, as is world class diving, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking trails.

The Mangawhai Museum, golf course, artisan craft galleries, vine-yards, cafes, restaurants, and “Bennett’s of Mangawhai” chocolate complex and the many hiking trails provide just some of the many activities to enhance your stay.

Day Trips From Mangawhai Lodge

Sea Life and Pottery Day Trip 

Follow the coast south to Goat Island Marine Reserve for snorkeling & glass bottom boat trips.

Drive on to Matakana, browse the boutique shops, see a movie or visit Morris & James Pottery Factory & Cafe, lunch, wine taste at the nearby vineyards, or visit the world class Sculptureum in Omah Flats Road.  Stop at the charming town of Warkworth then follow State Highway 1 back to Mangawhai (2 hours return, plus stops).

Bay of Islands Day Trip 

Just a 2 hour drive to the  Bay of Islands, lets you explore WaitangiPaihia and Russell.  From there drive west to the Hokianga Harbour and south through the Waipoua Kauri Forest visiting the giant trees, follow SH 12 back via Dargaville and the Matakohe Kauri Museum and west to Mangawhai.  (5 hours return, plus stops).

Snorkeling Day trip 

Drive north to Whangarei follow the coast out to Tutukaka where you can dive and snorkel at the famous Poor Knights Islands (2.15 hours, plus stops).

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https://www.seaviewlodge.co.nz Mangawhai Lodge – Quality bed and breakfast and self contained accommodation, 80 minutes north of Auckland. Spectacular sea and island views, nearby golf course, cafes, beaches, walkways, beach combing. Ideal destination after a long haul flight. free wifi & off street parking

Image Credit: Peter Southwood / CC-BY-SA-3.0