11 Fun Things to Do in Mangawhai: Beaches, Hikes, Dining, and More

From surf beaches to a calm estuary, hiking to dining, there are plenty of things to do in Mangawhai and Mangawhai heads. If you are thinking of heading to one of Northland, New Zealand’s idyllic coastal communities for your next getaway, be sure to read on.

Things to do in Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads

This list is an overview of the best things to do in the Mangawhai area,

• Hike the cliff walk
• Delve into the area’s history at the museum
• Check out the Daring
• Unwind, surf, or try other watersports at the beach
• Indulge at Bennetts Chocolates
• Take a serene estuary walk
• Discover Mangawhai Historic Village
• Tee off at one of the picturesque golf clubs
• Enjoy delicious meals, treats, and the best coffee we have had in New Zealand
• Visit nearby beaches

Map of things to do in Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai

Not long ago, it was easy to know where Mangawhai ended in Mangawahi Heads began. As both areas expand, the separation is not so clear, and today, it all feels like one town to us. Even so, we separated them out in the detailed sections below.

Things to do in Mangawhai Heads

Mangawhai Heads is all about beaches and hiking.

Mangawhai Cliff Walk

They are not kidding when they say that the Mangawhai Cliff Walk offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. The well-marked trail provides a moderate uphill hike that brought us to the stunning lookout point you can see from my shot. It’s also perfect for whale watching during migration seasons.

Don’t let the stairs near the beginning discourage you. We both felt the views were worth the climb, even when we reached the point where it felt like the stairs would never end.

After the lookout point, the walk is pretty level for a while. We didn’t make it as far as the natural arch, but we wish we had. We were told that we could also reach the arches at low tide with a beach walk that requires scrambling over a few boulders, but our timing was never quite right.

Mangawhai Heads beach

I know what you are thinking: how is this a surf beach? Based on the sun’s position and time of day, I thought the beach was prettier in the direction I shot the photos. If you could see behind me, you would know why this is a popular surf beach.

Either way, it’s white sand for as far as we can see.

As for surfing, from experienced to beginner, Mangawahai Heads is popular among locals and visitors. Learn to ride the waves with professional surf lessons (often discounted with this link).

Or, if paddleboarding is more your thing, check here for discounts on paddleboard hire.

Estuary Walk

The Mangawhai Estuary Walk is a serene path that winds along the water’s edge, offering scenic views and opportunities for bird watching.

This easy walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but you’ll want to check the tide tables and do this at low tide. When the tide was right, we found it particularly relaxing to stroll here in the early morning, enjoying the quiet and the gentle sounds of the estuary.

Things to do in Mangawhai Township

While the section above covered Mangawhai Heads, below we look at our favourite things to do in the township which revolved around history, walking and food.

Mangawhai Museum

A treasure trove of local history and culture, Jeff and I found the Mangawhai Museum a perfect place to escape the sun (or rain if you get bad weather).

From war memorabilia to cable cars, sports to fairy terns, the museum did a great job introducing us to the region.

It offers insights into the region’s past, focusing on its maritime, gum digging, and pioneering heritage. Here, we got a better understanding of the roots of the community and the transformation of Mangawhai from cable cars to sports and nature, it really covers it all.

Just outside the main museum are a series of interesting heritage buildings and the Daring (see next sections).

The Daring

The Daring, the oldest New Zealand-built non-Maori vessel discovered in NZ, sits in a huge temporary shed outside the museum. Not yet in a permanent home, it can only be seen with a volunteer guide, but there is usually one there.

While the Daring is part of the museum, it is not included in the entrance fee, so you can just walk back there and have a look.

The ship was originally built in 1863, beached in 1865, and emerged from the sand in 2018 in Muriwai.

Mangawhai Historic Village

Just across the carpark from the museum is the free-to-enter Mangawhai Historic Village, which is like stepping back in time.

We saw and walked through heritage buildings, including a pioneer church and a schoolhouse, all preserved to showcase the community’s early days. We were told that the village hosts various cultural events and markets throughout the year, but none took place while we were there.

Bennetts Chocolate

Bennets of Mangawhai is a bit of an institution and a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Here, we can sample chocolates, watch chocolate being made, or enjoy a treat at the cafe.

While it is free to visit, we have never walked out without purchasing a bag full of yummy treats. (Yes, for me, there are even plenty of dairy and gluten-free options, and their sweets are crafted with local ingredients.)

Two Golf Clubs

• Mangawhai Golf Club
  Open to the public, it is known for its challenging course and scenic surroundings. and is consistently ranked among the 20 best golf courses in NZ.
• Tara Iti Golf Club
  Then, there is the private Tara Iti club. Consistently ranked number one in New Zealand and often number two worldwide. Ideally, you will know a member, but if not, it is still possible to visit this stunning coastal golf course after jumping through a few hoops.

Where to eat in Mangawhai

For a small town, there is no shortage of places to eat in Mangawhai, but if you are gluten-free like me, we did find a few real winners!!! Here are our current favourites:

• Buffalo Roast House
  This one is mostly take-away, but there are a few tables just outside. All three roast meat options, lamb, beef or pork, are gluten free, as is everything in the case (potatoes, gravy, peas, carrot, etc). There is a separate case for items containing gluten. We went for the mixed meat option and it was great!
• Brewed As
  It is possibly the best coffee in New Zealand (well, second best; my husband makes the best). We didn’t try anywhere else for coffee because, well, why would we? And, if that’s not enough, they have amazing gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free slices – about 5 or so different ones to choose from. Jeff, who doesn’t have dietary requirements, found the food to be amazing. They also claim to make fabulous drinks, but we were always there in the morning, at what we think of as coffee o’clock.
• Gringas
  For being this far from Mexico, Gringas does an impressive burrito, just the way I remember them from California. (Technically, burritos are a US invention). Even the gluten and dairy-free one I had was great.
• Bennetts Cafe
  What can I say about this amazing place? As we pointed out above, it’s a must-see stop for chocolate, but the meals are great too. While I didn’t try one this time, I still remember the hot chocolate from our first visit.

Nearby Northland Beaches not to miss

Just around the bend to the north is beautiful Bream Bay, home to several impressive beaches. Each beach has its own unique charm and offers various activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and fishing.

Jeff and I enjoyed exploring these different coastal spots, finding each one with its own story and scenic backdrop. The distance listed is the drive time from Mangawhai Heads.

• Langs Beach (12 min drive)
  Langs is a lovely white-sandy beach surrounded by craggy headlands. It is ideal for swimming, water sports, and picnicking and is the starting point (or ending point) for the Waipu Coastal Walkway.
• Waipu Cove (17 min drive)
  Having stayed here more than once, we have found plenty of things to do in Waipu aside. The beautiful beach is often patrolled by Surf Lifesaving, making it great for families and everyone. It’s also a great place to learn to surf. Depending on your lesson time, you can get up to 40% off adult surf lessons with this link or off of kid’s surf lessons here.
• Waipu Village (27 min drive)
  Shopping, cafes, historical buildings and New Zealand’s only regional museum to receive a UNESCO inscription.
• Uretiti Beach (32 min drive)
  We have never visited this long stretch of coast known for its camping facilities, horse trekking, and a naturist beach(clothing optional) on the South end.
• Ruakaka Beach (36 min drive)
  My favourite of the nearby beaches is Ruakaka, which has 13km of white sand and surf-friendly waves. It’s also a Surf Lifesaving patrolled beach, a popular spot for relaxation, water sports, and long beach walks.

Where to stay in Mangawhai Heads or Mangawhai

Generally, when we head to one of the New Zealand beach towns, we like to have our own kitchen. Unlike our typical travel that keeps us in 4-5 star accommodations, there is something about staying right on the beach at a self-contained cabin at a holiday park that really appeals to us. Otherwise, we typically rent a vacation beach house.

• Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park
  We opted to stay in a family cabin even though our kids are adults and were not with us, as the family cabins are closer to the water’s edge. Small and compact, it had everything we needed, including bunk beds with portholes for kids who would love it. Reserve your stay here.
• Rent a vacation house
  There are plenty of vacation houses in both Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads, the best of which we have always found the best prices at BookABach. Reserve your vacation rental at BookABach here.

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Which of these things to do in Mangawhai will you try?

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