“I think the secret is out,” says resident Tina Jakes. “I’m seeing a lot more campervans and motorhomes here at the lake and most have bikes on the back.”
Decades after it should have been dismantled, Mangakino township continues to reinvent itself as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The supposedly-temporary village on the edge of Lake Maraetai is luring mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, anglers, and wakeboarders who come in search of trails or trout, or a scenic spot to park for the night.
Fascinating History of Mangakino
Tina chairs Waikato River Trails Trust, which oversees a 103-km network of cycling and walking trails that pass through Mangakino, neighbouring Whakamaru and Atiamuri. The former Taupo District Council staff member and councillor is a long-time advocate for her adopted town’s charms. She also helped a local group ensure some of its history was recorded on a series of interpretive signs around Mangakino and Whakamaru. At one point, the now-serene lakeside community boasted New Zealand’s first shopping mall and the largest school in the southern hemisphere. The current settlement was established in the late 1940s, to house workers who built the hydroelectric power stations at Mangakino.
Mangakino’s Resilience.
“It was all meant to disappear when the dam finished, in the late 60s, but the town refused to give up. People liked it and they stayed on.” Tina and her husband are among the subsequent stayers. The couple bought a small cottage as a holiday home in Mangakino in the mid-1980s and liked the place so much, they moved permanently. He enjoyed the hunting – deer, ducks, pigs – and they both loved the quiet, as well as the opportunity to dangle a line over the side of their fishing boat to catch trout in Lake Maraetai. These days, they tend to cycle more, and she likes to run sections of the cycle trail, too. Most days, Tina walks the dog around Mangakino Golf Course, which borders the cycle trail.
Flat Water Haven.
Her father loved walking the golf course, too. He would take his own dog over the pleasantly undulating fairways that overlook the lake and are surrounded by established trees. In fact, Tina’s parents enjoyed the place so much, they bought a holiday house near their daughter. “My dad just loved the lake and even built himself a canoe. He had an interesting life in the army, police, then to Africa where he worked as a game warden, so I had lion cubs as pets when I was a girl.” Tina was nine when her family left Kenya and emigrated to New Zealand. She had a government job and went on to serve in various local roles including community manager for Mangakino. “This place is a real mecca for wake boarders, water skiers and rowers because the lake has a couple of arms so it’s very sheltered. Lots of rowing camps are held here because it’s good flat water.” She is pleased to see a recently-renovated lodge cater to cyclists, alongside other accommodation providers.
Scenic trails.
“For me, I love this section of the trail from Mangakino to Whakamaru because it pretty much follows the river so you can ride next to it most of the way. There’s enough variation, enough flat and hard stuff, to run, ride or walk. Or, heading north, there’s a newer bit of trail that runs from just outside Mangakino to Maraetai dam. It’s not alongside the river quite as much but the trail flows beautifully, through native bush, a bit of pine, a bit of farmland.” Tina says the trail is a catalyst that brings people into this area so they discover what’s on offer nearby. “Of course, the lake is a huge drawcard but most people don’t know, for instance, that New Zealand’s biggest totara is a short drive. We’re so central; the geographic centre of the North Island is just a 20-minute drive, Taupō is 50km”. “And everyone should see a Mangakino sunrise over the lake at least once in their life. I love waking up to that every day.”
Tina’s Tips for actively relaxing around Mangakino
1. Mangakino Golf Club and Frisbee Golf: The scenic and challenging Mangakino Golf Club is a must-visit, even for non-golfers. The 18-basket Frisbee Golf course is fun for the whole family.
2. Cool Off in the Lake: After a bike ride or hike along the Waikato River Trail, take a refreshing swim in Lake Maraetai or visit the Mangakino Community Pool, open December to February with free entry.
3. Enjoy a Scenic Run or Walk: Start at Mangakino lakefront and head north towards Maraetai Dam on a pleasant 4 km trail, shaded in summer.
4. Discover Local History: Explore the heritage trail displays in Mangakino and Whakamaru, featuring fascinating historical snippets and impressive views of the Maraetai power stations.
5. Coffee and Treats: Don’t miss the homemade chicken, bacon, and mushroom pie at Ata’s Café in Mangakino or a toasted sandwich at the Dam Café in Whakamaru. Enjoy stunning lake views at a scenic spot near Whakamaru Domain.
6. ‘Stairway to Heaven’: Hike the five flights of stairs along the Ongaroto Bluff on the Whakamaru to Atiamuri trail for breathtaking views of Lake Whakamaru and the peaks of Kaahu and Whakaahu.
