MANGONUI

• Latitude: -34.9865
• Longitude: 173.533
• East Australia
• Port in New Zealand

Location: New Zealand

Mangonui is a historic seaside village located in the Far North District of New Zealand's North Island. The name "Mangonui" translates to "big shark" in Māori, referencing the numerous sharks that once frequented the harbor.

Location and Accessibility

• Coordinates: Approximately 35.0143° S, 173.5391° E
• Region: Northland Region, North Island, New Zealand
• Nearest Major Town: Kaitaia (approximately 35 km away)

Harbor Specifications

Mangonui Harbor is not a large commercial port but instead serves as a small, picturesque harbor primarily for recreational boating and small fishing vessels.

• Depth: Generally shallow waters, suitable for smaller vessels. Depths can vary and larger vessels need to be cautious and typically stay off-shore.
• Maritime Facilities: Limited facilities for commercial shipping. The harbor includes a fisherman’s wharf and docking facilities for small boats.
• Navigation: Entry to the harbor should be approached carefully, paying attention to tidal schedules and sandbanks which can shift.

Services and Amenities

• Fish Processing: Historically, Mangonui has been a center for commercial fishing. A few small fish processing facilities may still be operating, chiefly for local catches.
• Refueling: Limited refueling facilities available; larger vessels typically need to refuel at larger ports.
• Provisions: Basic provisioning facilities available within the village; more comprehensive supplies can be obtained in Kaitaia.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Basic maintenance services are available. Specialist repairs would require access to larger facilities in towns such as Whangarei or Auckland.

Tourism and Points of Interest

Mangonui is renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings, charming village atmosphere, and scenic views. Key attractions include:

• Mangonui Fish Shop: Famous for its fresh seafood offerings, particularly fish and chips.
• Historic Buildings: Many well-preserved Victorian-era buildings.
• Harbor Walks: Scenic walks around the harbor.
• Cultural Heritage: Rich Māori and European history with guided tours available.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Weather: The Far North has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Weather can be changeable, especially during the winter months.
• Tidal Information: Important to monitor local tidal charts. Mangonui experiences significant tidal changes which can affect navigation and docking.
• Marine Life: Rich marine biodiversity, caution advised due to sharks historically present in the waters, although shark encounters are rare nowadays.

Accessibility

• By Road: Accessible via State Highway 10.
• By Sea: Primarily caters to smaller private and recreational boats. Not typically used by large commercial shipping. Safe navigation needs local knowledge.

Future Developments

There are no known large-scale developments planned, preserving Mangonui’s character as a quaint, historic fishing village.

Conclusion

Mangonui Harbor is a picturesque and historically rich location ideal for recreational boating and tourism rather than large commercial maritime activities. Visitors are attracted to its scenic beauty, well-preserved historic elements, and friendly local community.