Mangawhai
This sleepy seaside resort is becoming increasingly popular as visitors discover its hidden charms.
Situated on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, it is 90 minutes from Auckland's central business district, 50 minutes south of Whangarei and overlooks the upper reaches of the Hauraki Gulf. This makes Mangawhai a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The appeal is the white sandy beaches (5 within 15 minutes' drive), the subtropical climate, beautiful walkways, sand dunes, and wildlife sanctuary. Superb fishing, diving, water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing or boogie boarding makes Mangawhai a water-lover's paradise.
Mangawhai Heads beach, famous for its surf and well known to families and surfers alike, has a lifeguard service in summer. The stingray, after which Mangawhai takes its name are still to be found basking in the clear waters of the harbour. There are two parts to Mangawhai, the Heads and the Village, which nestle around this long waterway surrounded by big sand dunes on the seaward side and pohutukawa trees on the other.
Recreational boaties and charter boats fish, dive and take scenic trips from the harbour to nearby islands and favourite fishing spots in the Hauraki Gulf and Bream Bay.
The world class 18-hole championship golf course, with its resident professional, attracts a regular flow of enthusiasts, as do the adjacent bowling greens. The Collections museum, gardens and cafés, along with the historical pub and quality crafts, ensure there is always something to do.
Over recent years Mangawhai has developed a reputation for quality cafés. Whatever your choice, be it fish and chips, licensed and BYO cafés serving contemporary style food or standard fare at the historical tavern you'll find it here. Entertainment is a regular feature, particularly over the summer and holiday periods at many of the establishments.
Accommodation meets every need, whether it's camping grounds on the waters edge, staying in character baches, studio apartments, guest houses, bed & breakfasts or luxury chalets, lodges or motels. All budgets, tastes and needs are catered for with a touch of the famous Mangawhai Magic and hospitality thrown in.
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