Mangawhai Heads History

Mangawhai is a place of history and heart, from the old waterfront pub and colonial buildings to the proliferation of holiday homes and baches.

Mangawhai’s stunning harbour has always played an important part in our rich and varied history, beginning with the Maori settlements then to the early English settlers with their shipbuilding, gumdigging, Kauri milling, and later farming.

In the early and mid 19th century, Mangawhai harbour was one of the main access points for the Kaipara.  Ngati whatua used to drag waka from Kaiwaka to Mangawhai.   A  Nga puhi war party landed in Mangawhai in February 1825 and moved 12km inland to confront the Ngati whatua near Kaiwaka.
Today Mangawhai is a popular seaside holiday destination and also home to many artists and craftsmen lifestylers who contribute to the thriving chocolate making, avocado, wine and olive industries and families looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.

For more info on the history of  Mangawhai, make sure you pay a visit to our fabulous museum.

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