Guidebook for Mangawhai

John & Kelley
Guidebook for Mangawhai

Food Scene

THE DUNE RESTAURANT | 40 Moir St | Boookings recommended in summer | 09 431 5695 | Offering a smart-casual Kiwi BBQ experience with all the swag of an inner city address, less the pomp or pretence. Behind this masterpiece are three unassuming blokes with distinct roles to play and colourful stories to share. They also operate The Cove in Waipu and The Quay in Whangarei. The owners rent eight local properties to accommodate staff, and advertising for new recruits never stops. Their own farm, Highgate Hill, supplies beef and the fresh stuff comes from The Vege Shack.
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The Dune
40 Moir St
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THE DUNE RESTAURANT | 40 Moir St | Boookings recommended in summer | 09 431 5695 | Offering a smart-casual Kiwi BBQ experience with all the swag of an inner city address, less the pomp or pretence. Behind this masterpiece are three unassuming blokes with distinct roles to play and colourful stories to share. They also operate The Cove in Waipu and The Quay in Whangarei. The owners rent eight local properties to accommodate staff, and advertising for new recruits never stops. Their own farm, Highgate Hill, supplies beef and the fresh stuff comes from The Vege Shack.
Bennetts Café is casually chic. Located just alongside the Chocolatier, this is the place to indulge in a signature hot chocolate or treat friends to a fine lunch. The courtyards, French fountains and fireplaces offer a tranquil and charming ambience that needs to be experienced, with plenty of tables both inside and outdoors. A blackboard menu and simple pleasures such as cakes, brioches and panini delight the casual customer. For something special, however, a seasonally changing menu showcases the creativity of head chef Brodie Bennett and his team. His emphasis is on fresh produce and he is excited about the many local boutique producers he can draw on to create stunning dishes.
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Bennetts Of Mangawhai
52 Moir St
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Bennetts Café is casually chic. Located just alongside the Chocolatier, this is the place to indulge in a signature hot chocolate or treat friends to a fine lunch. The courtyards, French fountains and fireplaces offer a tranquil and charming ambience that needs to be experienced, with plenty of tables both inside and outdoors. A blackboard menu and simple pleasures such as cakes, brioches and panini delight the casual customer. For something special, however, a seasonally changing menu showcases the creativity of head chef Brodie Bennett and his team. His emphasis is on fresh produce and he is excited about the many local boutique producers he can draw on to create stunning dishes.
MANGAWHAI MEAT SHOP | 43 Moir St | 8am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm, Sunday closed | 09 431 4564 | Top quality cuts, award winning sausages, house smoked bacon. Plenty of ready to eat and easy to cook meals. All topped off with friendly service! Extended opening hours over long weekends & summer.
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Mangawhai Meat Shop
43 Moir St
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MANGAWHAI MEAT SHOP | 43 Moir St | 8am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm, Sunday closed | 09 431 4564 | Top quality cuts, award winning sausages, house smoked bacon. Plenty of ready to eat and easy to cook meals. All topped off with friendly service! Extended opening hours over long weekends & summer.
THE SANDBAR EATERY | 7 Wood St | Brunch, lunch & dinner | 09 431 5587 | Focusing on fresh, locally sourced food, great wine and excellent coffee with attentive yet relaxed service. Enjoy an Atomic Coffee in their sunny courtyard, a light bite to eat or dinner with friends and family. Where the locals meet, to eat.
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Sandbar Mangawhai
7 Wood St
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THE SANDBAR EATERY | 7 Wood St | Brunch, lunch & dinner | 09 431 5587 | Focusing on fresh, locally sourced food, great wine and excellent coffee with attentive yet relaxed service. Enjoy an Atomic Coffee in their sunny courtyard, a light bite to eat or dinner with friends and family. Where the locals meet, to eat.
WOOD STREET FREE HOUSE | 12 Wood St | 7am till late | 09 431 4051 | The home of craft beer in Magical Mangawhai Heads. Serving locally sourced beers, wines and produce. Chalkboard tables, Doggy Deck, Kids Movie Nights, 10 taps of New Zealand Craft Beers, Curry Night, a great sharing style menu and the best pizza’s for miles makes Wood Street Freehouse the local for all the family.
Wood Street
Wood Street
WOOD STREET FREE HOUSE | 12 Wood St | 7am till late | 09 431 4051 | The home of craft beer in Magical Mangawhai Heads. Serving locally sourced beers, wines and produce. Chalkboard tables, Doggy Deck, Kids Movie Nights, 10 taps of New Zealand Craft Beers, Curry Night, a great sharing style menu and the best pizza’s for miles makes Wood Street Freehouse the local for all the family.
LOCHIEL ESTATE - B&B / VINEYARD | 60 Brooke Lane, Mangawhai | 09 43 14 554 | Set in a secluded valley of rolling green pastures about 10 minutes drive from Mangawhai Heads, Lochiel Estate boasts superb views of the Brynderwyn Hills and surrounding Olive Groves and farms. The house overlooks the vines creating a tranquil setting for the perfect weekend getaway. A fully operational vineyard and winery. The first plantings of vines - Chardonnay, Merlot and Malbec – occurred in 2002 followed by more Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris in 2005 bringing the total to 4500 vines over approximately 3 hectares. Cellar Door - phone for open hours
Lochiel Estate
60 Brooke Lane
LOCHIEL ESTATE - B&B / VINEYARD | 60 Brooke Lane, Mangawhai | 09 43 14 554 | Set in a secluded valley of rolling green pastures about 10 minutes drive from Mangawhai Heads, Lochiel Estate boasts superb views of the Brynderwyn Hills and surrounding Olive Groves and farms. The house overlooks the vines creating a tranquil setting for the perfect weekend getaway. A fully operational vineyard and winery. The first plantings of vines - Chardonnay, Merlot and Malbec – occurred in 2002 followed by more Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris in 2005 bringing the total to 4500 vines over approximately 3 hectares. Cellar Door - phone for open hours
MILLARS VINEYARD | 26 Bush Lane, Mangawhai | 09 431 4326 | A boutique family owned vineyard, situated on an ancient floodplain, sheltered by the Brynderwyn ranges and is influenced by cooling sea breezes from Mangawhai’s scenic coastline. Passionate about producing premium quality wines that reflect the uniqueness of the terroir. Complimentary tastings | Wine sales Cellar Door open 10am to 5pm (Labour Weekend to Easter) | Winter by appointment
Millars Vineyard
26 Bush Ln
MILLARS VINEYARD | 26 Bush Lane, Mangawhai | 09 431 4326 | A boutique family owned vineyard, situated on an ancient floodplain, sheltered by the Brynderwyn ranges and is influenced by cooling sea breezes from Mangawhai’s scenic coastline. Passionate about producing premium quality wines that reflect the uniqueness of the terroir. Complimentary tastings | Wine sales Cellar Door open 10am to 5pm (Labour Weekend to Easter) | Winter by appointment
MANGAWHAI MARKET | 45 Moir St (10 min walk) | Every Saturday 9am - 1pm at the Village Hall in Mangawhai Village. A vibrant local market selling all kinds of produce and goods. Fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oils, bread, coffee, delicatessen meats, plants, books, clothes, bric-a-brac and much more. A friendly, social way to pass some time on a Saturday morning while picking up all your vital supplies.
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Mangawhai Village Market
45 Moir St
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MANGAWHAI MARKET | 45 Moir St (10 min walk) | Every Saturday 9am - 1pm at the Village Hall in Mangawhai Village. A vibrant local market selling all kinds of produce and goods. Fruit and vegetables, cheese, olive oils, bread, coffee, delicatessen meats, plants, books, clothes, bric-a-brac and much more. A friendly, social way to pass some time on a Saturday morning while picking up all your vital supplies.
MANGAWHAI TAVERN MARKET | 2 Moir St (15-20min walk) | Saturday only | 8.00am - 12.30pm | Fantastic fruit and vege produce, art, crafts, clothing, fresh flowers, food, food trucks and caravans, music and a lot of fun. All held in and around the Garden Bar, on the water’s edge at the Mangawhai Tavern. A great destination to meet up with friends and family to sample what Mangawhai and Northland have to offer. Something here for everyone! The Tavern is open 11am till late | 09 431 4505 | Located right on the water – serving cold beer, chilled wine and a menu that changes seasonally - you can always count on a hearty helping of great pub food.
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Mangawhai Tavern Market
2 Moir St
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MANGAWHAI TAVERN MARKET | 2 Moir St (15-20min walk) | Saturday only | 8.00am - 12.30pm | Fantastic fruit and vege produce, art, crafts, clothing, fresh flowers, food, food trucks and caravans, music and a lot of fun. All held in and around the Garden Bar, on the water’s edge at the Mangawhai Tavern. A great destination to meet up with friends and family to sample what Mangawhai and Northland have to offer. Something here for everyone! The Tavern is open 11am till late | 09 431 4505 | Located right on the water – serving cold beer, chilled wine and a menu that changes seasonally - you can always count on a hearty helping of great pub food.
FRESH - DELI FOOD STORE & CAFE | 3a Molesworth Drive | 9am - 5.30pm (hours may vary) | 09 431 5247 | Offering a mix of Grocer, Fishmonger, Greengrocer, Deli and Cafe. Their commercial kitchen produces many different products – from smoked salmon to muesli plus a fabulous range of salads and sweet treats, with gluten-free options too. Stocking both Wild Wheat and Paneton bread as well as their own “World Famous in Mangawhai” Pizza Bases.
fresh Mangawhai
Molesworth Drive
FRESH - DELI FOOD STORE & CAFE | 3a Molesworth Drive | 9am - 5.30pm (hours may vary) | 09 431 5247 | Offering a mix of Grocer, Fishmonger, Greengrocer, Deli and Cafe. Their commercial kitchen produces many different products – from smoked salmon to muesli plus a fabulous range of salads and sweet treats, with gluten-free options too. Stocking both Wild Wheat and Paneton bread as well as their own “World Famous in Mangawhai” Pizza Bases.
The Cove Cafe is a relaxed beach atmosphere. They offer coffee & brunch, lunch, dinner, beers & wines. Situated directly opposite the beach at Waipu Cove. The Cove is a favourite for an after surf coffee or smoothie and brunch in the sun. They have a playground set up out the back for the kids, which gives parents time out while they enjoy lunch with friends and the restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner in the evening, while you watch the surf.
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The Cove Cafe
910 Cove Rd
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The Cove Cafe is a relaxed beach atmosphere. They offer coffee & brunch, lunch, dinner, beers & wines. Situated directly opposite the beach at Waipu Cove. The Cove is a favourite for an after surf coffee or smoothie and brunch in the sun. They have a playground set up out the back for the kids, which gives parents time out while they enjoy lunch with friends and the restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner in the evening, while you watch the surf.
THE COW SHED | 53 Pebblebrooke Rd (10 min drive) | Thurs, Frid & Sat evening | Bookings essential | 09 431 2354 | Eating at The Cow Shed restaurant is a unique experience with delicious wholesome food that has a home cooked feel about it. The set menu consists of a generous three-course dinner with sides and a choice of mains. Where possible, all ingredients used at the cow shed are sourced from Wendy and Robert’s garden or locally.
The Cow Shed Restaurant and Shop
53 Pebblebrooke Rd
THE COW SHED | 53 Pebblebrooke Rd (10 min drive) | Thurs, Frid & Sat evening | Bookings essential | 09 431 2354 | Eating at The Cow Shed restaurant is a unique experience with delicious wholesome food that has a home cooked feel about it. The set menu consists of a generous three-course dinner with sides and a choice of mains. Where possible, all ingredients used at the cow shed are sourced from Wendy and Robert’s garden or locally.

Essentials

FOUR SQUARE GROCERY STORE | 43 Moir St | 7.30am - 7.30pm | A trusted 'Kiwi' grocery retailer providing New Zealand communities with a service that is second to none. Keeping you stocked up with a range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, chilled beer and wines and a friendly smile!
43 Moir St
43 Moir Street
FOUR SQUARE GROCERY STORE | 43 Moir St | 7.30am - 7.30pm | A trusted 'Kiwi' grocery retailer providing New Zealand communities with a service that is second to none. Keeping you stocked up with a range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, chilled beer and wines and a friendly smile!
Located in the heart of the village... clean with easy to operate machines. Pop your washing on and head off for a quick local shop or a cuppa nearby. TIP: Remember to take your own washing powder
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Laundromat, Mangawhai
41 Moir St
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Located in the heart of the village... clean with easy to operate machines. Pop your washing on and head off for a quick local shop or a cuppa nearby. TIP: Remember to take your own washing powder
RISE & GRIND - COFFEE CART | Moir St & Insley St corner | Located outside the Village Library Hall | Mon-Fri - 5am-9.30am | Delicious, takeaway coffee & more. Eftpos available.
Moir Street
Moir Street
RISE & GRIND - COFFEE CART | Moir St & Insley St corner | Located outside the Village Library Hall | Mon-Fri - 5am-9.30am | Delicious, takeaway coffee & more. Eftpos available.
FOUR SQUARE GROCERY STORE & MORE | 3 Wood St | 7.30am - 7.30pm | A trusted 'Kiwi' grocery retailer providing New Zealand communities with a service that is second to none. Keeping you stocked up with a range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, chilled beer and wines and a friendly smile!
3 Wood St
3 Wood Street
FOUR SQUARE GROCERY STORE & MORE | 3 Wood St | 7.30am - 7.30pm | A trusted 'Kiwi' grocery retailer providing New Zealand communities with a service that is second to none. Keeping you stocked up with a range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, chilled beer and wines and a friendly smile!

Everything Else

TE WHAI BAY WINES | 367 King Rd, Mangawhai | 09 945 0580 | A privately owned boutique vineyard nestled in the foothills of the Brynderwyn range in the Mangawhai wine region. The vineyard is situated on a hillside terrace in a valley described as Northland's Tuscany. Producing handcrafted high-quality wines in limited quantities. Their unique range of wines includes Chardonnay, Merlot, Chambourcin Bourdeaux style reds and Pinot Gris. Offering live music every Saturday afternoon over summer (7 Jan - 11 Feb 17). Enjoy a glass of wine or beer and a choice of local produce food platters while listening to great local and Auckland-based musicians. Picnic tables or blankets available.
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Te Whai Bay Wines
367 King Rd
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TE WHAI BAY WINES | 367 King Rd, Mangawhai | 09 945 0580 | A privately owned boutique vineyard nestled in the foothills of the Brynderwyn range in the Mangawhai wine region. The vineyard is situated on a hillside terrace in a valley described as Northland's Tuscany. Producing handcrafted high-quality wines in limited quantities. Their unique range of wines includes Chardonnay, Merlot, Chambourcin Bourdeaux style reds and Pinot Gris. Offering live music every Saturday afternoon over summer (7 Jan - 11 Feb 17). Enjoy a glass of wine or beer and a choice of local produce food platters while listening to great local and Auckland-based musicians. Picnic tables or blankets available.
ESTUARY VINEYARD | 381 King Rd, Mangawhai | 021 187 4085 |Enjoy tasting their wines in a friendly atmosphere and take a stroll through the vineyard to enjoy the spectacular King's view. Tasting room open 10am - 5pm most days December to February, otherwise by appointment.
Estuary Vineyard
381 King Rd
ESTUARY VINEYARD | 381 King Rd, Mangawhai | 021 187 4085 |Enjoy tasting their wines in a friendly atmosphere and take a stroll through the vineyard to enjoy the spectacular King's view. Tasting room open 10am - 5pm most days December to February, otherwise by appointment.

Parks & Nature

MANGAWHAI ACTIVITY ZONE | Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai | Loads of family fun! The zone includes; a skate park and bowls (Olympic level), cricket pitch with all-weather Tiger Turf, a junior football field and a pirate ship - the ultimate kid's playground! For the more adventurous there is a 12-station outdoor Crossfit/workout facility, plus a BMX track through the bush! And for when you get thirsty, a coffee & drinks cart on site. Gear your littlies (and biggies) up for MAZ. www.mangawhaiactivityzone.co.nz
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Mangawhai Activity Zone
191 Molesworth Dr
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MANGAWHAI ACTIVITY ZONE | Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai | Loads of family fun! The zone includes; a skate park and bowls (Olympic level), cricket pitch with all-weather Tiger Turf, a junior football field and a pirate ship - the ultimate kid's playground! For the more adventurous there is a 12-station outdoor Crossfit/workout facility, plus a BMX track through the bush! And for when you get thirsty, a coffee & drinks cart on site. Gear your littlies (and biggies) up for MAZ. www.mangawhaiactivityzone.co.nz
Forestry is a beach break and left hand point break on a sandy beach, located just on the south side of Te Arai Point, on the east coast north of Auckland. There are several peaks to choose from along the beach with both right and left handers, and the best break is the left hand point break at the north end of the beach. The wave is powerful and hollow, with solid walls to play with. Good for all levels of surfer. Popular beach so know the rules and respect the locals.
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Forestry Beach
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Forestry is a beach break and left hand point break on a sandy beach, located just on the south side of Te Arai Point, on the east coast north of Auckland. There are several peaks to choose from along the beach with both right and left handers, and the best break is the left hand point break at the north end of the beach. The wave is powerful and hollow, with solid walls to play with. Good for all levels of surfer. Popular beach so know the rules and respect the locals.
Te Arai lies at the furthest north east point in the Wellsford region. It offers pristine white sandy beaches at the end of picturesque rural roads and a glorious campground within the regional park. It's an area well known by surfers for consistent and safe conditions and it's an utterly gorgeous spot for a day at the beach. Te Arai straddles the line between Wellsford and Mangawhai and two beaches; Te Arai Point and Forestry sit on the Wellsford side while its northern beach Black Swamp sits in Mangawhai.
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Te Arai Beach Reserve
Te Arai Point Road
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Te Arai lies at the furthest north east point in the Wellsford region. It offers pristine white sandy beaches at the end of picturesque rural roads and a glorious campground within the regional park. It's an area well known by surfers for consistent and safe conditions and it's an utterly gorgeous spot for a day at the beach. Te Arai straddles the line between Wellsford and Mangawhai and two beaches; Te Arai Point and Forestry sit on the Wellsford side while its northern beach Black Swamp sits in Mangawhai.
Mangawhai Heads Beach is a popular beach with an expanding resident population and reasonable facilities, including a surf club. This beach can become very busy during the summer months with a large influx of tourists and visitors. Swimming, fishing, surfing and boating are all very popular activities here.
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Mangawhai Strand
147 Wintle Street
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Mangawhai Heads Beach is a popular beach with an expanding resident population and reasonable facilities, including a surf club. This beach can become very busy during the summer months with a large influx of tourists and visitors. Swimming, fishing, surfing and boating are all very popular activities here.

Arts & Culture

Mangawhai Museum celebrates life around our harbour - with stories as diverse as WWII shipwrecks and lost gold bullion, geology at the beach, the plight of the Fairy Tern and the saving of the harbour entrance, the museum offers a fascinating look through our past and the characters who have shaped it.
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Mangawhai Museum
Molesworth Drive
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Mangawhai Museum celebrates life around our harbour - with stories as diverse as WWII shipwrecks and lost gold bullion, geology at the beach, the plight of the Fairy Tern and the saving of the harbour entrance, the museum offers a fascinating look through our past and the characters who have shaped it.