Location: Mangonui
Top Things to do in Mangonui
7 Things to Do in Mangonui That You Shouldn't Miss
Taipa-Mangonui is one name given to a string of small resort settlements in the far north of New Zealand's North Auckland Peninsula, close to the base of the Aupouri Peninsula. The resorts of Taipa, Cable Bay, Coopers Beach, and Mangonui, all of which lie along the coast of Doubtless Bay, are so close together that they have run together to form one larger settlement with a combined population of 1566 (2006 census).
Restaurants in Mangonui
1. Butler Point Whaling Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
We give conducted tours of the Whaling Museum, restored Historic 1840's House and Gardens. We have picnic facilities so you can enjoy the grounds after the tour.
Reviewed By MRS565 - Tauranga, New Zealand
An excellent, unhurried 1.5 hour tour of the private whaling museum at Butler's Point. The guide was very informative and interesting. We learned a lot we didn't know before! Some original movie footage of whaling in the 1920s pulled it all together. Brutal times!
A pity you have to ring ahead of time to book a time to go - could there perhaps be a regular time even once a day in winter when people could just turn up? Fortunately the place where we were staying had a leaflet, or we would have had no idea the museum even existed, and they rang ahead and booked for us. Definitely glad we went!
Extensive Gardens are no doubt more impressive in summer, but are right on the water's edge. Take a picnic as there are lots of spaces to eat. Nothing is available to buy there in the way of a meal.
$25 for an adult to get in - they do have EFTPOS facilities in the small shop.
2. Coopers Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Karen W - Brisbane, Australia
A beautiful 2 klm beach lined by Pohutukawa trees, appears a safe swimming beach. Coopers Beach has a nice little shopping centre with most facilities, chemist, supermarket, bowling club etc and many accommodation options some with views overlooking the beach. A very pleasant place to stay.
3. Mangonui Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By JohnPaul1950 - Katikati, New Zealand
A pleasant way to explore this quaint little harbour full of history. Not entirely on the level for the older tourists but still manageable by most if you take your time. Some of the views make it well worthwhile.
4. Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve Walk
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
5. Rangikapiti Pa Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Karen W - Brisbane, Australia
Rangikapiti Pa is a fortress ruin with very picturesque setting over Mangonui Harbour, Coopers Beach and also across Doubtless Bay to the Karikari Peninsula and Mill Bay.
The defence ditch around the Pa is a feature on this site.
It is easy to reach from the west side of Mangonui Harbor via Mill Bay Road and Rangikapiti Road which takes you to the Rangikapiti Pā Historic Reserve parking area. There is some coastal pohutukawa, with much of the reserve covered in manuka around the top of the Pa, and some grass.
6. Paradise 4X4 VIP Personalised Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Mummygaot - Surrey England
This is not a cheap option but it is the best way to enjoy Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.
We were up early to catch the Rawene ferry across to Kohukohu to drive up to meet Gordon with his 4x4 at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom at Awanui.
Gordon drove us first to Ninety Mile Beach in order to drive the length of it before the tide came in.He started to tell us a bit about the area and the beach and how often he'd had to tow people who'd got stuck in the sands.Within minutes,we came across just one such van,its wheels deeply embedded.Gordon with his trusy stretchy tow rope got the van out.We were well impressed!
On we went up the beach until we reached a part known as The Bluff.Here,we got out to stretch our legs and take photos of the waves crashing over the rocks .Gordon meanwhile was setting up the table for our morning tea/coffee.We enjoyed his wife's delicious home made scones in such a wonderful setting.
Next stop was by a stream and sand dunes nearby to a pile of recently uncovered ancient toheroa shells.Gordon waded across the stream to get me one as a souvenir.
We walked up over the dunes and were fortunate to spot some of the wild horses which roam these parts.It was lovely up there.
He drove us up the Te Paki stream which was exciting in the 4x4.I can't imagine it being quite the same in a coach.We stopped at the area where sand tobagganing takes place.We had no desire to participate but it was fun to watch for a while.We also took advantage of the 'facilities' whilst there. These are long drop toilets so no flushing or running water.I believe there was hand sanitizer available.
From here we drove straight up to Cape Reinga.From the carpark,Gordon pointed out the path to the lighthouse and left us to wander down and explore.There were wonderful views of Beaches as we strolled down and seeing where the Tasman meets the Pacific is fascinating.We also took note of the spirit tree,the ancient Kauri tree from where Maori believe their spirit leaves for the underworld.
From the cape we drove back down the west coast stopping for views along the way.All the time Gordon was filling us with facts about the land and people.When we came to Great Exhibition Bay we stopped at a lovely beach--Rawawa.Here,we paddled in the Pacific whilst lunch was prepared.And what a feast it was....cold chicken,seafood salad,potato and kumara salad,beetroot salad and mixed green leaves.Served with delicious home made bread and a bottle of chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Gordon knows when to be discreet.He sat away from our table over by the car with his own rather more modest lunch.As this was also prepared by his good cook of a wife I am sure it was just fine and suited him.
From then on it was a straight run back down to our car with more tales on the way.We said our 'goodbyes' at 4pm.Having met him at 9am this was just right I thought and we had to drive back to the ferry which we caught at 6pm.
This was a brilliant day out and we were tired out by it all so and early night was then called for.
I can highly recommend this tour.
7. Northland Taxi Shuttles & Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Local taxi and shuttle servicing Auckland, Kerikeri and Kaitaia Airport. 4WD land based fishing trips from one of our many northland fishing spots. Ultimate offroad coastal kiwi adventure! Experience the challenge of driving over rocks and soft sand. Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach where the Tasman Sea meets the South Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed By KiwiPC - London, United Kingdom
We hired Peter to take us to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach. He picked us up from our hotel in a very comfortable 4 wheel drive. As we were driving he pointed out various places of interest and explained the local history. He provided a beautiful lunch - freshly caught fish grilled on his portable BBQ, salads and fruit and water, tea and coffee. The trip was ideal for us as we could visit the places of interest at our own pace and did not have to visit where the large tour coaches stopped. On the way home we stopped to collect pipis on the beach (which was a bit of a novelty for my American husband). All in all a great day out at a reasonable price.
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