A couple weeks ago I was invited to have a look at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. This is just a pleasant 45 minutes drive from Mangawhai over towards Dargaville and the West Coast. We had a guided tour with long-term guide Pete who told us stories to bring the exhibits to live. I was very impressed with my visit, there is so much to see, the museum is huge and you could spend hours there. It has a whole saw mill in it, operational machinery, fully furnished rooms and models of early settlers to gain an insight of what life was like around 1900. My favourite part is downstairs which houses the world's largest kauri gum display. Below is a picture of Thelma, the Kauri Polisher, at work.

This weekend, 14/15th November is the annual garden ramble in Mangawhai.
First held in 2003, this annual event continues to evolve and grow in popularity, attracting garden enthusiasts and visitors from Northland, Auckland and further afield. This event remains the most important fundraiser for both the Mangawhai Kindergarten and Mangawhai Playgroups. It is a wonderful community based fundraiser that offers patrons the opportunity to explore an array of private gardens, estates and boutique businesses in Magical Mangawhai and surrounds. For more info please email mangawhaigardenramble@gmail.com 

I had no kids this morning, so I enjoyed a bit of "me" time. I started off with a walk on the beach, I love to walk around to Picnic Bay at low tide, followed with a coffee at the "Frozen Joghurt and Coffee" stall at the beach, Shannon and Billy are true locals and have been here every season over the last 7 years and they are doing an amazing job. Who wouldn't love a coffee or ice cream sitting down, enjoying this amazing view :)

After the beach I went to check out my favourite litte shop at the Heads shops, Ocean Gypsy. Clare has created a very tasteful retail space selling beautiful accessories for your home, surf vibe inspired clothing and jewellery, plants and much more. With ever changing stock, you never know what treasures you find the next time you visit. And just behind the shop is the lovely "Brewed As Collective" if you need another caffeine fix or some brunch, one of my favourite cafes in town.

Next stop Mangawhai Tavern market - a must do on a Saturday morning! There are so many great locals selling their products, one of them is Jules from Earth Kitchen. She has developed a natural chemical free sunscreen that actually works. I never use anything else after trying this, it is truely amazing! There is also lots of yummy food for sale, as well as Arts & Crafts and souvenirs, like Mangawhai t-shirts. Definitely well worth a visit!

Labour weekend is fast approaching....this is always a busy weekend in Mangawhai with lot's happening around the place. It marks the beginning of summer, yeah!
There will be 3 markets in Mangawhai on Labour weekend, the usual 2 on Saturday (Tavern market and the village market at the hall) and then on Sunday check out the Mangawhai Beach and Country market at the Domain.
Update 19th October: There is also a great market with 150+ stalls in Waipu on Sunday 25th, 9 - 2 pm. Waipu is just half an hour drive away, a scenic drive past Langs Beach and Waipu cove, well worth a visit!