Mangawhai is a thriving coastal area of shops, galleries and cafes with a tranquil lagoon-style harbour, dramatic sand dunes and exhilarating surf beaches, all nestled between the Pacific coast and rolling farmland.
BEACHES A PLENTY
Within a 15 minute drive of Mangawhai are five fabulous beaches...
Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach for surfing, boogie boarding, walking, swimming, beachcombing, dune & rock climbing (Patrolled in Summer)
The Estuary for jet skiing, boating, kayaking, kite surfing,
Te Arai for surfing, fishing, and beachcombing (Unpatrolled)
Pacific Beach for surfing and fishing (Unpatrolled)
Langs Beach popular for surfing, swimming, fishing (Unpatrolled)
Waipu Cove (Patrolled in summer)
Forestry Beach. A bit off the beaten track. Surfing, fishing, and beachcombing (Unpatrolled)
EAT & DRINK
MANGAWHAI TAVERN
Great pub food and beer with a view! PLUS a market on Saturday from 8.30am
Te Ari Links. DIVINE. A relaxed, welcoming, and family friendly atmosphere, Ric’s is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Complete with a complimentary 2.5-acre putting green (The Playground) to play on!
RIC’S RESTAURANT
BENETTS CAFÉ AND
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Cafe is open 7 days with freshly made pastries, sweets and a seasonal menu showcasing local produce.
THE BBQ HUTT
Takeaway kai option - brisket, ribs, pulled pork, pulled beef, lamb, burgers, keto options, toasties, coffee, sweets!
GRINGAS MEXICAN
Margaritas, Huge burritos, fresh tacos, and quesadillas to cater every need, all cooked fresh to order - the Gringas way!
BREWED AS
Where the fusion of flavours, community, and sustainability creates an exceptional cafe experience.
GO BUSH
Whether bimbling, walkihng or hiking is your cup of tea, Mangawhai has you covered.
Mangawhai Cliffs Walk is the iconic Mangawhai walk - stretching 4.5 km along the coast (9 km return) and offers beautiful views of the rugged coastline. Prepare to dig deep for the first 20 minutes as you ascend. Aim for low tide so you can return via the beach. 2-3 hours return and well worth the sweat!
Tanekaha Walking Tracks are a collection of forest tracks that work their way out from Mangawhai Heads. Expect lush greenery and the occasional waterfall. Check out the Langsview Track, Tanekaha Puriri Track, or the Tanekaha Botanical Track for a range of lengths and grades.
ACTIVITIES
GOLF
Play a round at the local Mangawhai Golf Course or head north to the Waipu Golf Course or a super social round with beers in hand at the Te Ari Links putting green, infront of Ric’s Restaurant.
MANAGWAHI TAVERN & MANGAWHAI BEACH SCHOOL SATURDAY MARKETS
Plenty of fresh produce, local arts and crafts, food and coffee and entertainment. Starting at 9am – 1pm.
FISHING
Bring your own boat, rent a kayak, or sign up for one of the many cruises that depart from Mangawhai.
DAY TRIP TO LANGS BEACH
AND WAIPU COVE.
Drive 20 min to Langs beach for a stroll and marvel at the scenery then continue on 10 mins to Waipu cove. Park up at The Cove café for brunch and coffee or a beer and bowl of fries, then walk off your meal along Waipu Beach.
MAZ ZONE
Mangawhai’s ultimate recreational facility, including a skate park, tennis courts, playground & picnic spots.
SURF SCHOOL
Learn To Surf NZ
Aotearoa Surf School Auckland
Surf Lessons
Perfect for the whole family, and any skill level. Book early! They sell out quickly.
WAIPU CAVES
Waipu Caves is one of New Zealand’s top free glowworm caves, and it’s not to be missed!
EXPLORE THE ESTUARY
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the extensive Mangawhai Estuary.
Mangawhai is the traditional Māori name for the area, referring to the stingrays which live in the harbour.
