| Just 1.5 hours drive north of Auckland on Northland's | | | | finest ingredients and pure chocolate and like |
| east coast lies Mangawhai; a quiet, family oriented | | | | Smashed Pipi and Quattro, regularly stage art |
| beachside resort blessed with a magnificent golden | | | | exhibitions by local artists in their premises. |
| sand surf beach, picturesque harbour and wetlands, | | | | If you are looking for that special meal, then head to |
| lush countryside, lively cafes and restaurants and a | | | | fine dining restaurant, the Frog and Kiwi. Here high |
| thriving arts community. | | | | quality French cuisine and seasonal specials are |
| The historic development of Mangawhai Village was | | | | married with local and French wines for an |
| based around the Mangawhai Wharf; an arrival and | | | | outstanding culinary experience. |
| departure point for early settlers using the | | | | If you'd like to sit back, relax and soak in the seaside |
| Mangawhai harbour for shipbuilding, kauri milling and | | | | atmosphere of Mangawhai Village, then Mangawhai |
| farming. While the wharf no longer exists, Mangawhai | | | | Tavern is a great place to start. Established in 1865, |
| Village has retained much of the charm of those | | | | this historic 2 storey hotel is adjacent to the old |
| early days, evident in the many public and private | | | | wharf area and was the watering hole for early |
| colonial style timber houses and buildings. | | | | settlers, kauri bushmen and port workers. Today the |
| Mangawhai's subtropical climate provides perfect | | | | tavern is the local live music venue and regularly |
| growing conditions for gourmet and fine foods much | | | | features live gigs from NZ's top bands and |
| of which finds its way into the weekend Farmers | | | | entertainers. It also plays a central role in the |
| Market and local restaurant kitchens such as | | | | community as a base for local events, festivals and |
| Smashed Pipi Gallery and Cafe. Popular for its relaxed | | | | Mangawhai's summertime fun and event programme. |
| style, big breakfasts and seafood cuisine, this cafe | | | | If you're interested in the history of the Mangawhai |
| has its own gallery featuring the art and fine craft of | | | | district, the Mangawhai Village Museum is the place to |
| the local Hockenhull family. Locals rate their pipi | | | | visit. One of the wonderful things about Mangawhai is |
| fritters as a "must try" dish and a delicious yet | | | | that many descendants of early pioneers and settlers |
| inventive way to enjoy the bounty this town has to | | | | still live in the area and their stories, photos and |
| offer. | | | | memorabilia have made a major contribution to the |
| With more than 40 artists in residence in Mangawhai, | | | | museum. |
| local art and crafts can be seen in many eateries | | | | Finally, eating fish and chips outdoors is a |
| throughout Mangawhai Village. For great coffee, visit | | | | quintessential NZ pastime and Blue Marlin Takeaways |
| Quattro Cafe and while you're there take a few | | | | produce the best fish and chips and takeaway food |
| minutes to view the beautiful wood carvings by local | | | | in the Village. Head to the local domain or find a |
| carver, Aaron Ellis-Smith, which are on permanent | | | | scenic spot near the harbour and enjoy your feast of |
| exhibition there. | | | | local fish and chips in the peace and serenity that is |
| Bennetts of Mangawhai is a must visit for their "to | | | | Mangawhai Village. |
| die for" handcrafted chocolates, made from the | | | | |