MAUNGATUROTO
"the heart of the Kaipara"
Come and enjoy this picturesque hilltop village established in 1863 steeped in history,
with settlers arriving over 150 years ago to colonize the bush-clad hills around the northern Kaipara Harbour.
Here you’ll find glorious old homesteads - some original cottages were made from a single felled kauri tree — an historic church, and a tavern with a long and bizarre story to its name.
In fact, the Maungaturoto Hotel is the only public house in New Zealand to nearly have been lost at sea — twice!
Experience the spirit of the locals. And what a big-hearted spirit it is! A look down the main street of Maungaturoto reveals brand new gardens, developed and implemented by the community. A new wharf was also constructed as part of sesquicentennial celebrations — once again, a triumph of community spirit
Here you’ll find welcoming cafes and eateries — one situated in the grand old bank building designed by architects Mitchell and Mitchell and opened in 1940
Here you’ll find welcoming cafes and eateries — one situated in the grand old bank building designed by architects Mitchell and Mitchell and opened in 1940— as well as some of New Zealand’s best hot pies. We also have a Country Club that has sports facilities, a sports bar, event venue and casual dining.
There’s also a quirky collection of shops to browse, none more wonderfully weird than Dreams, with a pair of giant gumbooted feet planted upside down atop its roof.
Take a trip through the gorge to the waterfalls, visit historic Batley and scenic Whakapirau, or take in some culture at the renowned Otamatea Repertory Theatre — it’s all happening in this interesting little corner of the Kaipara.
Come Find Us
We are just 2 hours north of Auckland, in the Kaipara district.