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After a change of owners and a major renovation, Mangawhai Chalets offers an exclusive yet affordable boutique experience in the heart of the surf town, writes Sarah Pollok.
Situated at 252 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads, the entrance to the chalets is marked with a large sign. A narrow driveway passes the owner’s garage and house before turning into a three-space car park right beside the chalets.
If you want an intimate, boutique accommodation without the big price tag, accommodation that is close to great surf and sea or a self-contained space you can stay with a family and cook for yourself.
The first thing we notice after pulling up outside the three charming chalets is the gardens. Well, we don’t notice them specifically, but rather, we note the bubble of serenity that seems to stretch around the space. We notice the sweet birdsong filling the air, and sunshine dappling across the stone pathways, the papery sound of wind brushing against leaves.
It’s later that we realise what makes this place feel so Edenic is its lush, vibrant garden, where all variations of plant and flower, tree and vine seem to thrive. This makes sense after you meet Victoria who, alongside being the friendly new owner, is a passionate gardener.
If you’re keen to chat, Victoria certainly is, but if you arrive late at night or prefer a quiet, private check-in, you can simply arrive and use the four-digit code to unlock the chalet for the stay. A feature I wish more accommodations used.
There are just three self-contained “chalets” with rustic weather-beaten wooden cladding to choose from: Tuis Glen and Kingfishers Cove are one bedroom, and the Gulls Nest is two-bedroom and sleeps four.
We are in Kingfishers Cove, and the large space holds a king bed, two small bedside tables and comfy armchair. Opposite the bed is a mounted 32-inch smart TV, cupboard, medium fridge and a small coffee/tea station with a kettle, cups and glasses as well as tea and coffee bags.
Decor is a tasteful mix of burnished gold fixtures and fittings, white walls, wooden floors and an abundance of sage green in the form of cabinetry, picture frames and other art. It’s also very clearly all new, with a pristine, bright look, also thanks to two sets of double glass doors and windows.
Through one set of doors, we have a private deck and chairs, which are surrounded by hedges and one giant tree where fat tui constantly flit and call. Bliss.
Much like the main room, the bathroom is newly renovated and positively sparkles, from the clear glass shower door to the white subway tiles and large back-lit mirror. Toiletries are exclusively Eco Store and include large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower, plus a hairdryer. Unless someone is showering, it’s not really a two-person-at-once kind of spacious, but that is of no bother to us.
Given our proximity to the beach and shops, there is little desire for all the trimmings of a big hotel, such as a gym, pool or full-service restaurant. We are, however, delighted by the inclusion of a beautiful shared kitchen space.
Guests are welcome to share “The Scullery”, a wooden chalet with an L-shaped kitchen area on one side and intimate dining area on the other, but at every meal we find it empty. Much like the chalets, it leans into the bach aesthetic with a solid wooden dining table and island countertop, wicker chairs and striped outdoor cushions to match the sage green walls.
Whether you are assembling cereal or cooking an elaborate dinner, the kitchen has everything you need, from large appliances (fridge, toaster, microwave and stove) to small items (blissfully sharp knives, salt, pepper and oil, sieves and can openers).
Slightly chilly at night, we eat dinner at the dining table under the heater, but the next morning take breakfast to the large concrete table in the sun-soaked courtyard.
Of course, if groceries and dishes are the opposite of a holliday to you, a dozen cafes and restaurants are just 100 metres away and offer a mix of takeaway or eat-in options.
Maungawhai Heads’ petite town village is just one minute’s walk away and has the aforementioned eateries as well as a Four Square, pharmacy and pilates studio. For a spot of shopping, duck into the op shop or book and gift store.
Walk another few minutes and you’ll hit a set of stairs leading down to the tranquil estuary beach, or walk a little further to avoid the steps and enter at water level. On a sunny Saturday, dozens of people are camped out on picnic blankets, boating along the water, or enjoying a scoop of homemade gelato from a caravan parked up by the pier.
For proper beach vibes, drive five minutes to the Heads’ beach for top-notch surf and great sand to stroll along or park up at. Just be warned, the carpark packs out on sunny weekends and the real fruit ice-cream stall is a must-try.
Golfers should pack their clubs and book a game in advance at Mangawhai Golf Club, across the road from the chalet, or take a hike along the popular Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway.
One must cross some rough stone paving and at least two steps to access the chalets, which also have a lip at the door and small bathrooms.
Tui Glen and Kingfisher are $250 per night, and Gulls Nest is $400 per night, with prices increasing to $280 and $450, respectively, during summer (mid-December to end of February).
For more information, visit mangawhaichalets.co.nz, email info@mangawhaichalets.co.nz or call +64 21 586 995.
New Zealand Herald Travel stayed courtesy of Mangawhai Chalets.