Mangonui

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Mangonui is one of New Zealand’s oldest ports. It was known as a safe haven for whaling ships in the late 1700s and had become, by the mid 1800s, a centre for whalers and traders. Sawmilling, flax and kauri gum industries were also in full swing. Because coastal shipping was the main 'driver' of New Zealand’s early development, Mangonui remained an important port for many years and provided the first access to the hinterland. It has only relatively recently been overtaken by Kaitaia as a regional centre. However, Mangonui is still a port of entry, with Customs facilities.

Like Kororareka (Russell), Mangonui, being a sailors’ town, was a bawdy place, where anything and anyone could be bought for a price. Many of the Far North’s pioneering families came via coastal steamer from Auckland to Mangonui and because it had the only Courthouse, many of the district’s early births, deaths and marriages are recorded there. Mangonui today is essentially a small, sleepy retirement village where State Highway 10, the main east coast road, bypasses the historical centre. But a detour to the historic township is well-rewarded.

Arm yourself with a Heritage Trail Brochure from either the Courthouse or Information Centre. Then either walk or drive the Trail. It begins and ends at the Courthouse and throughout its length provides a glimpse of the area’s great wealth of early Maori and European history. Sites are marked by Heritage Trail markers. These either provide information on the site itself or display numbers which refer to details in the brochure. Average time to walk the 3 km trail is about 11/2 hours.

See the link to Te Papa; artist Rita Angus once lived here.

Declaring itself as 'World Famous' the fish shop is a place to buy your fish by weight. Enjoy Kiwi-style fish and chips, cooked while you wait.