Just 10 minutes away from Hawera and only 45 minutes to New Plymouth city lies the settlement of Manaia. With a population of approximately 1000, it is the little town with the big attitude and home to Yarrows Family Bakers, suppliers of bread and bread products to restaurants, hotels and retailers all over the world.
Visitors will delight in the friendly charm of the village centre – its library, dairies, hotel and food store providing the daily necessities for those who choose this laid back, peaceful pace knowing that a drive in any direction will bring them to the sea, the mountain, the city or the town in just a short time.
Things to see and do while visiting Manaia:
Egmont National Park – A variety of easy, short walks branch off the main access roads. A number of beautiful waterfalls are in easy reach of Dawson Falls and it is worth walking through the Goblin Forest to Wilkies Pools - a series of plunge pools formed by the scouring action of water borne sand and gravel.
Fancy a game of golf? If golf is your favourite pastime there are good things in store for you in South Taranaki. Visit our separate webpage for a list of all the golf clubs in our area.
Heritage Buildings – A short drive around the Manaia district will give you an appreciation of the development of Manaia. For a map and further information visit Manaia Library Plus and i-site.
Hollard Gardens – Hidden paths, expansive lawns and swamp gardens are all part of the wonderful showcase of colour and horticultural drama that is Hollard Gardens. This garden of National Significance features an extensive collection of trees, rhododendrons, shrubs and perennials gathered over the past 77 years. Free admission.
Kaupokonui Beach – Head towards Opunake from Manaia on Surf Highway 45 to try surfing, swimming or camping in either the river or the sea. The land across the river from the carpark was an important early Maori village, and has been the site of many significant archaeological finds.
Swimming Pool – South Road, Manaia. Open to the public early December-mid March.
Taranaki Country Music Hall of Fame – A taste of down home country music – memorabilia, souvenirs, locally produced music on CD plus country music night every Thursday at 7.30 pm.
South Taranaki i-site Visitor Information Centre
For great advice, service and friendly tourist information wherever you are in the region, please phone or visit the i-Site Visitor Information Centre in Hawera. All South Taranaki libraries also offer visitor and tourist information throughout the working week and display boards are kept up to date with community notices and events.
Address: 55 High Street (PO Box 5), Hawera
Telephone: 06 278 8599
Fax: 06 278 6599
Email: visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz
Open Hours:
Monday-Friday 8.30 am-5.15 pm
Weekends and Public Holidays 9.30-4 pm (December-April), 10 am-3 pm (May-November)
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
