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Mangawhai, Kaipara

The area has a diverse landscape including a naturally occurring harbour, sand spit and ocean frontage.

Dramatic sand dunes form a protected channel of water connecting the Heads and Village with outlying areas.

The harbour has a boat ramp and jetty with a long stretch of white sandy beach.

It is home to the protected endangered Fairy Tern, Caspian and White Fronted Terns, Banded Dotterels, and Variable Oyster Catchers. The dunes can be visited with DOC notices to guide you away from nesting sites.

History

Mangawhai has a strong Maori history, it is rich in seafood and fertile soil. It has descended from the iwi of Ngati Whatua, the hapu of Te Uri o Hau has become the iwi of Kaipara.

In the early 1800s, European settlers collected Kauri gum and timber, transforming the bush into farmland for cattle and sheep.

Brimming with creativity

It is during the last 50 years that Mangawhai has undergone its latest renaissance, becoming a haven for artists of all kinds. Ceramics, painting, sculpture, food and music play integral roles in the community culture and spirit of Mangawhai.

 Many of the buildings in the area are architectural pieces, from the Mangawhai Tavern and early Bach designs to the Mangawhai Museum and the Bennetts Chocolate Factory.

The stream of the stingray

Early Maori named Mangawhai for its “stream of the stingray” and stingray can frequently be seen in the estuary and harbour.

References to the stingray and sea life can be seen in the architecture of the Museum building and local businesses everywhere.