We have a new stand-alone product for sale for people already staying in the area - The Mangawhai Shopping trail. Mangawhai is a little spread out and does not just have one town center. Due to this fact you will find little shops with a beah & surf vibe all over the place. We have put together a map and info sheet for you which takes you on the Mangawhai shopping trail It includes a half day (5-hour) e-bike hire, pick up from Mangawhai Heads, a map and Chocolate tasting at Bennetts chocolate factory and cafe. $90 per person (min of 2 ). Bookings essential.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/what-makes-northland-an-idyllic-holiday-hotspot/3ORINGGQ56BIVONSTFRX2SMLW4/
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I have recently started to volunteer at the Magnawhai Information centre which is staffed by volunteers from our amazing community. Come and check it out and pick up a welcome pack with lots of useful info, maps, a recycle bag and things to do (yes it does also include a brochure of the Mangawhai Adventures Wine trail and Art trail by e-bikes) The Mangawhai Information Centre is located next to the Golf Club. Open 10 - 4 daily over summer.

E-bikes are super popular now, so much so that 3 e-bike hire companies have all started up this year in Mangawhai, these are E-bike hire Mangawhai, Coastal e-bikes and Coast Cycling. I have just recently tried one out for the fist time and I have to admit they are really fun to ride. I have included them in the Mangawhai Art trail package and have also just put together the Mangawhai shopping trail. Contact me for more info on 021-431589

A new surf & Skate shop, called "No Limits" has just recently opened it's doors in a perfect location opposite MAZ skate park. The owners Nicole Seyle and local business man Evan King have done an amazing job transforming an engineering workshop into a modern, warehouse style shop. Nicole who is originally from California, is a surfer herself and Umberto Skinner, the skate manager is a pro skater. After opening only a couple weeks ago, the shop already proofs to be popular with the Mangawhai youth. Check it out next time you go past or here https://nolimitssurfandskate.co.nz/

We have some pretty amazing and inspirational people living in our little town. I would like to start this series by introducing you to Jules Bright from Earth's Kitchen. She gained triple diplomas in Naturopathy, Body Therapy and Medical Herbalism and spent 18 yeast on developing and perfecting the world’s 1st BioGro (Natrue) certified natural sunscreen SPF50 which has now gained international recognition. I have tried it a couple years ago for myself and my family and I will never use anything else again! It works really well, smells good, is invisible and it helps save the worlds coral reefs which are suffering greatly from chemical sunscreens. For more info have a look at https://ekskincare.com/pages/our-story​ and you can usually find Jules at the Mangawhai Tavern Market to try it our for yourself.

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!