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Kiwi towns

What’s so great about Mangakino

  • 2 minutes

Waikato, North Island

Waikato lake Maraetai is a great place for a day trip from Hamilton

Mangakino there are plenty of things to do. Mangakino is a small town on the banks of the Waikato River in the North Island. It is located close to the hydroelectric power station at Lake Maraetai, 85 km from Hamilton

What to do in Mangakino

Waikato off the beaten track holiday spot surrounded by rolling farmland supporting dairy and sheep farms & the magnificent Lake Maraetai.

Waihora Lagoon, Pureora Forest Park, New Zealand
Waihora Lagoon, Pureora Forest Park

Mangakino highlights

  • Pureora Forest Park walks
  • The Timber Trail shared walk / cycle pathways with its historic bush tramways and swing bridges
  • Mangakino is located near the Waikato River Trail, Easily accessed from lakefront or Whakamaru Dam the 12.1 km section has great views along Lake Maraetai. Grade intermediate, short steep areas.
  • Lake Maraetai water sports from kayaking, swimming and water kite sailing
  • Bus Stop Cafe with its waterfront views
  • Mangakino swing bridge is a shared walking / cycling trail of 70m across the Mangakino stream

Lake Maraetai

  • Mangakino’s picturesque lakefront is a stunning place for picnicking. It also has its own unique waterfront cafe enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Bus Stop Cafe is fun, quirky and a very good reason to hang out at a lake without the hard work of preparing snacks. Bus Stop Cafe for menu details. There are toilets and picnic tables.
  • Golf: There is a 9-hole golf course in Mangakino which runs alongside Lake Maraetai. The course is an easy walking course with stunning lake and forest views. New members and green fee players are always welcome
Mood at Maraetai Beach, East coast, New Zealand
Maraetai Beach

Festivals in Mangakino

Wakeboarding championships held at Lake Maraetai.

Where to take the best selfie in Mangakino?

  • The lake of course at dawn, dusk and with winter mist rising from the still water
  • Mangakino heritage trail
  • Mangakino swing bridge

Mangakino fame

  • Willie Apiata VC, who was born there in 1972;
  • Mike Rann, Australian Ambassador and former Labor Premier of South Australia
  • Hori Ahipene, actor
  • Annabel Langbein, celebrity cook and food writer, born there in 1958

Mangakino notoriety

Badly behaved visitors.

Lake Maraetai, Mangakino, New Zealand
Lake Maraetai, Mangakino

Mangakino for kids

  • Glorious Lake Maraetai swimming and water sports
  • Kayaking on the lake

Mangakino social media

Mangakino

Who turned up and named Mangakino?

Mangakino township, located on the shores of Lake Maraetai, is a town that has survived against the odds. It was originally founded in the 1940’s to house hydroelectric workers. Today the town has reimagined itself, through the tenacity of local residens as a summer holiday destination. Follow the town’s heritage trail plaques dotted around the town centre.

Best time to visit Mangakino

Summer.

Mangakino population

1,275

Weather in Mangakino

Mangakino Weather Forecast

What keeps Mangakino ticking?

Agriculture and nearby Hamilton.

Hydroelectric power station at Lake Maraetai in Mangakino, New Zealand
Hydroelectric power station at Lake Maraetai in Mangakino

Judgment on Mangakino

In the area check out Mangakino especially during wakeboarding season.

Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Hamilton & Waikato Region nearby attractions and events.

Getting to Mangakino

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

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