Mangawhai History

Mangawhai Heads is the entrance to the harbour and estuary of Mangawhai in beautiful Bream Bay, named so by Captain Cook because of the abundance of Bream ( snapper)

Mangawhai's stunning harbour and estuary, has always played an important part in our rich and varied history, beginning with the Maori settlements.

The history of the Mangawhai community is closely bound to its harbour. Arrival by sea, shipwrecks, attempts to enter the harbour, shipbuilding, the building of a wharf, efforts to make the harbour safer for boats and shipping, began in 1860 and continue 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 oil industries, and young families looking for a more relaxed way of life.

The natural history of the area is significant. There are rare Dotterels, endangered Fairy Terns, and other shore birds nesting on the sand spit and south to Te Arai Point.