Lake Whakamaru is a highlight of the Mangakino region. Photo / Creative Commons image by Flickr user Sarah Macmillan
Explore the River Trails, embrace the lake and let the young ones play freely while you unwind — this is old school cool, says Elisabeth Easther.
Where is it? On the banks of the Waikato River in the central North Island, 83km south of Hamilton.
Origin of name? "Manga" means stream and "kino" means not so good - which is rather misleading because the water's beautiful these days.
Temporary digs: Established in 1946 to house the construction workers who were building the dam, it was only ever meant to be a temporary town, yet it's still going strong today.
Population? 744 (2013 Census).
Town slogan? Heart of the Dam Country.
Famous locals? Damien Karauna - former All Black and current NZ Sevens skills coach. Hori Ahipene - distinguished actor and philanthropist.
Infamous local? During the 1960s notorious burglar George Wilder was recaptured near here after spending a fair bit of time on the run. His exploits were remembered in the song by the Howard Morrison Quartet, George the Wilder Colonial Boy.
Best website? mangakino.net.nz - it links through to the local community's busy Facebook page.
Big business? It used to be all about the hydro dams - there are three in a 15km radius, four if you count Atiamuri - but these days it's mostly farming, predominantly dairy.
Source of pride? The beautiful environment and the friendly people.
And: It's just so peaceful here but there's still plenty to do if you fancy, the place has a really nice feeling.
Town fiestas: The Power Boat Racing Regatta every summer, North Island Wakeboard Champs, The Taniwha multisport event on the River Trails each November. There's also the annual rafting competition at Easter with old-fashioned games and races. Ski racing is getting big too and there's also a regular Christmas parade.
River little: The River Trails are stunning and Mangakino and nearby Whakamaru are the only two townships that sit directly on the trail.
Golf for it: The nine-hole golf course runs right down to the banks of Lake Maraetai and at only $275 full player for a year's membership this has to be one of the cheapest clubs in New Zealand.
Good sports? Aside from a fully equipped gym, there's lots to do outside including wakeboarding, water skiing, motocross and the brand new skate park that just opened is amazing, thanks to a lot of hard work by locals. Plus there's cycling, walking, kayaking and fishing.
Here for a short time? Embrace the lake or ride the River Trails.
But wait, there's more? International rowing teams often come here to train on Lake Maraetai because it's just divine.
Peace of the action? Mangakino's mainly about chilling out, you'll find you relax all the way to your core. Kids can go off and do their thing while Mum and Dad read books and unwind. Slow down, this is old school cool.
Best reason to stop? Because the lakefront will soothe your soul.
Kids love: Being let loose. Everything is within walking distance and young ones wander and play freely.
Best playground? In front of Lake Maraetai, the playground provides hours of fun.
Best walk? If you're not into cycling, the River Trails rock just as much for two feet as two wheels.
Best view? The view from the lakefront or the vistas from the swing bridge over the Mangakino Stream. It's all pretty round these parts.
Best swim? The local pool on the edge of the school, it costs $1-$2 to swim in the summer months and, of course, there's the lake.
Best museum? Turn Back the Pages (on Rangatira Drive) is run by local legend Daphne Cotton. She's filled a couple of dam houses with old photos, the phone exchange and newspapers. She lives next door so knock and, if she's home, she'll open up and have a yak (gold coin donation).
Nice arts? A couple of really impressive street murals liven up the town.
Top shop? You might find a treasure in the little second-hand shop but really, this place is about not shopping, so put your wallet away. Although that being said, you can get most things at the Four Square.
Cream of the coffee? Hui Hut is super funky, the staff and music all groovy. In summer, sit around on beanbags on the grass, the kitchen is open until relatively late. Aside from great coffee they also do delicious food from steaks to curries.
And don't forget ... Rhubarb Cafe in nearby Arapuni is heaven on earth.
Get baked: Yo Yo's Bakery (in the Civic Centre on Rangatira Drive) for pies, cakes and sandwiches, open first thing in the morning they catch the early birds.
Best food? Between Mangakino and Whakamaru there are nine different eating establishments from takeaways to restaurants. The Bus Stop Cafe at the lakefront reserve does decent coffee, toasted sandwiches and their pizzas rock. The Dam Cafe in Whakamaru (115 State Highway 32) is one of the top cafe stops for touring motorcyclists, also in Whakamaru, Ned's Place and the Whakamaru Store (on the corner of SH30 and SH32) are most excellent for food. Mangakino Takeaways, right in the centre of town, is also a winner.
Wet your whistle: The Mangakino Hotel is a grand old historic pub. Recently renovated, the public bar now looks like a hunting lodge and the accommodation and restaurant have been done up too. It's all very retro with a lovely lounge and nine or so rooms.
Best mountain biking? The River Trails have to be blazed, there's a new piece from Mangakino that carries on north, it's about 3km long and travels past intriguing old concrete structures from when they first built the dam, our very own ancient ruins.
Best adventures? Wake boarding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing.
Tree's company: Pouakani, the country's oldest totara tree, isn't far from Mangakino, and is reached with an easy 20-minute walk through native bush.
Wildlife? The bird life round here and at Pureora Forest Park is flourishing, especially get a load of those kokako.
High season? For part of the year the place is heaving, filled with Porsches pulling boats or ski fiends using it as a mountain base, but most of the year it's a sleepy little town. Part of its charm is that it's never going to be a metropolis.
Safety warning? No major concerns - aside from using commonsense on the lake.
Visitors say? Dam, this place is good.
Locals say? Dam straight.
Thanks to a lovely local who'd rather not be named in case she missed anything or anyone out.
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