On location – Mangawhai, NZ

ON LOCATION

Mangawhai, North Island, New Zealand

Where are we? The beautiful seaside towns of Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads are located in New Zealand’s North Island, 80 kilometres north of Auckland on the East Coast.

Known for its stunning coastline, with beaches and wonderful landscapes, Mangawhai offers residents and visitors the best of both worlds – an island-like escape that is in close enough reach of the city (if necessary). Encompassing the ‘Byron Bay’ like townships Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads, the region surrounds the harbour, and is abundant in natural beauty both in the sea and on land. Stingrays can often be seen in the harbour, and it was because of this that it was named for its ‘stream of stingray’.

Mangawhai is home to many endangered species, including the country’s rarest native breeding bird, the New Zealand Fairy Tern. The Lifestyle

Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads boat a friendly and welcoming lifestyle enjoyed by people of all walks of life.

With three rolling surf breaks yearround on one side and harmonious harbour and estuaries on the other, plus the bushwalks, trail rides and hikes, there’s plenty to see and do in nature.

The outdoors is truly celebrated here.

While laid-back that there is plenty to keep both locals and visitors busy right through the year and the region has a very social community, which is welcoming to those who embrace it.

Mangawhai has undergone a cultural change over the past 50 years. It’s become a haven for all manner of artists and creative types, adding to the region’s charismatic appeal.

Whether you’re a beach lover, an art lover, a fisherman or foodie – Mangawhai’s laid-back style is a winner with many.

The Market

Previously undervalued properties have experienced a significant increase in value over the past five years. Mangawhai township is largely made up of owner-occupiers and holiday property owners, with largely single dwelling homes and lifestyle blocks.

While the Northland region, which encompasses Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads, has a median price of just below $500,000, lifestyle properties have recently sold for over $3 million. Buyers looking for a sea change are looking to purchase in Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads - from young families through to retirees.

What to do?

Charlotte Wilson from RE/MAX Realty Group was drawn to the region’s natural beauty five years ago.

She says aside from enjoying the stunning beaches, getting out on the water fishing or enjoying the walking tracks scattered throughout the township, her top things to see and do in Mangawhai include:

• Concerts at The Waterfront Mangawhai Tavern • Wine tasting at Brooke Lane • Enjoying Te Arai Point beach and the Managwhai Heads surf beach (making sure you grab a coffee or fruit ice-cream at Mean Bean Coffee at the Heads Beach!) • Following the collectable and boutique shop trail throughout the township • The Smashed Pippi Gallery to see some of New Zealand’s best pottery • The ‘outrageously cool’ Mangawhai Activity Zone for kids and adults alike