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Welcome
The welcome you will receive at the Mangonui Hotel will take you back to an earlier, more relaxed time. You’re a guest, you’re a friend – and we want you to share the pride we take in our historical hotel and the magnificent scenic area that surrounds it.
Hotel Mangonui has been described as New Zealand’s most beautiful hotel and enjoys Historic Places Trust classification. Retaining all the elegance of the original structure, the hotel has been renovated in keeping with the character and charm of its unique location.
The hotel has been the social centre of the town for most of its history, and today many local groups use the facilities for their gatherings.
The hotel was built by a Mr John Bray in 1905. The exterior of the building has remained unchanged over the years, and inside the interior has retained its old world charm. Upstairs guests now enjoy all the mod cons with private facilities in the double rooms plus TV. The hotel still accommodates guests in 19th century comfort.
Hotel Mangonui is the fourth hotel in the village. The first was the Donnybrook in Mill Bay, built in 1842. The Donnybrook was burnt down and was replaced by the Settlers in 1873. The Old Oak was also a licensed hotel, and although it no longer retains its license, it still stands today. It was built in 1861, and was a popular place for the crews of ships calling at the then busy port.
The Hotel Mangonui is surrounded by buildings built at the same time. These include the Post Office (1904), the General Store (1907) and the Court House (1896).
Mangonui was one of the first settlements in New Zealand, and is one of the few towns that has managed to retain its early character. Fishing has long been its main industry and still boasts a substantial resident group of fishermen. Snapper, kingfish and crayfish abound in the area.
The larger trawlers from Auckland also take advantage of the unloading facilities provided at the wharf. These activities make the township a fascinating place to visit – the stresses of city life are quickly forgotten at Mangonui, Doubtless Bay.
We hope you enjoy your stay in our historic township.
Paddy O’Leary
Barney's Adventures
Exhibitionist Barney prefers life as a landlubber
Meet Barney the cockatoo, an official Mangonui Hotel guest-host who greets you with a squawky “hello” and a flurry of finely preened feathers when you step through the doors of the 101-year-old establishment.
Barney’s no pirate parrot, even if he loves living by the sea and spending hours in the front window pecking, strutting and entertaining pedestrians.
Nor is Barney an Aussie, even if the sulphur-crested cockatoo is generally regarded as a native of Australia. Barney spent his infant years at the Taheke Tavern, near Kaikohe. For seven years now, Barney has seen guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends — unless, of course, you offend his sensibilities, in which case you can expect a sharp peck as he shows you the door.
Mangonui Hotel publican Paddy O’Leary says Barney just loves all the hustle and bustle of people in the pub. “He really turns it on when he’s got attention.”
At 33, Barney is in his prime — most cockatoos live to about 100. “This fella here is in good nick. He’s like a young buck, wants to know everything and has an opinion on everything too when he decides he’s in charge of the visitors.”
What makes Barney an exceptional host is his attitude to kids. “He’s good at keeping them entertained while their parents sit back and relax with a drink or a meal.”
And he’s not shy of showing off his flying skills either, but he has cut back on his flight hours after a nearly disastrous maritime adventure.
“We had a fair number of people here, and he decided to go out for a flight over the lagoon. He was going great until he did a low swoop over the water and tried to do a sharp U-turn. He clipped a wing and hit the water. He learned very quickly that he wasn’t a seagull and I don’t think he liked the water that much. I had to row out in the boat and rescue the silly duffer.
“He still flies but he’s a lot more careful about it in case he embarrasses himself in front of people again.”
-Article in Northern Advocate newspaper 2006
Golf and fishing packages
Northland, famous for its fishing, whether its deep sea game fishing, or half day Snapper fishing excursions. Stay with us and we can organise the perfect sea adventure for you.
Golf courses within close distance include:
- Carrington Golf Club (Karikari Peninsula)
- Whangaroa Golf Club (Mangonui)
- Kauri Cliffs Golf Club (Mataui Bay)
- Ahipara Golf Club (Kaitaia)
Kauri Cliffs and Carrington are among the best golf courses in New Zealand, attracting golfers from all over the world.
Contact Us to organise your ideal getaway.
Wineries
Sample local wines over a long lunch. Local wineries include:
- Karikari Estate (Karikari Peninsula)
- Okahu Estate (Kaitaia)
- Marsden Estate (Kerikeri)
- Cottle Hill Winery (Kerikeri)
Horse Treks
Jayar Horse Treks, Ahipara: Ride on the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach at Ahipara and splash amongst the waves of the Tasman Sea.
Contact Us to organise your ideal getaway.