Manaia
With a population of approximately 1,000 people, Manaia is a sunny little town settled between Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea. An outing in any direction will bring visitors to the sea, the mountain, or the city in just a short time. You’ll know Manaia by the War Memorial Rotunda in the centre of town and the 100+ year old Post Office which has been refurbished and made a home.
The town hub consists of shops which provide the necessities of life. The Manaia 4 Square is the friendliest you'll find. As well, there is the Waimate Hotel for a delicious pub meal, and the Fish Inn for excellent fish and chips. Manaia is also home to Yarrow’s (The Bakers) which gives Manaia the name “The Bread Capital”. When the whole town smells like baked bread it’s hard to resist a stop at the shop. Jak’s Café has a pleasant vintage feel offering great coffees and home baking.
Those who enjoy a laid back, gentle pace can stop to enjoy a stroll on the Manaia Domain Walkway which meanders alongside a small river and passes through an old Pa site where a historical redoubt is to be found. Nearby is the Manaia Golf Club which offers an 18-hole course with picturesque views mountain views and a club house at the 19th hole.
Local kids can walk to school. Manaia Primary School is a huge part of the community. The kids have a playground at Row Park, a skateboard park, a library, and the Pools. Adult folks can play at The Manaia Bowling Club. Rugby fields and tennis courts are also available.
Just four kilometres down the road is Kaupokonui Beach and Kaupokonui Beach Motor Camp. This is a family-friendly place with rental cabins, a playground, and a gentle river that offers excellent swimming for small children. A spacious sand beach broadens out from the mouth of the river.
Manaia is situated just 13 kilometres (10 minutes) away from Hāwera and only 55 minutes from New Plymouth and Whanganui. Beautiful Hollard Gardens is just 18 kilometres away and access to Te Papakura o Taranaki (Egmont National Park) and Taranaki Maunga is a short 20 minutes up the road.
