TRAIL DESCRIPTION
Sites are indicated by Heritage Trail markers. Some of these provide information at the site itself. All have a site number and a QR code which can be scanned to provide further information.
The Trail is three kilometres in length and accessible by foot or vehicle. The average time it takes to walk the Trail is one-and-a-half hours. Walkers are advised to take the St Andrew’s walkway to access sites and enjoy the spectacular views from above Mangonui. Please be aware that Mary Hassett Street (formerly known as Grey Street West) and Tasman Street are very steep.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of the Mangonui Heritage Trail would not have been possible without the inspiration of Neva Clarke McKenna. Much of the historical information offered on this trail is derived from her book "Mangonui - Gateway to the Far North" published by the Northland Historical Publications Society Inc. in 1990. The Trail itself is based on Ms. Clarke McKenna's Historical Mangonui Walk outlined in her books, "Doubtless Bay" and "Discovering Northland’s Past".
INTRODUCTION
The Polynesian navigator Kupe visited this area about 900 AD in the canoe Mamaru. On a return trip, the Mamaru brought the chiefs Te Parata and Tumoana; ancestors of the Ngati Kahu. Later, another canoe, the Ruakaramea, was guided into a harbour by a shark. Its chief, Moehuri, named the harbour Mangonui, which means 'large shark'.
Mangonui was known as a safe harbour for whaling vessels by the late 1700s and, in 1831, the first European settler arrived.
By the mid 1800s Mangonui was a centre for whalers and traders; the saw milling, flax and gum industries were flourishing. In the 1900s these industries declined; roads replacing the sea as the main transport route and Mangonui became a much quieter place.
Site 12: "Windermere" AN ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD c. 1870
Windermere. Site 12
Charles Harris, an Englishman, built this house of pit-sawn kauri for his New Zealand born wife, Harriet Wells. Near the house were stables and a saddle room, part of the Harris coach and livery business.
A semi-detached cooking area and another side addition were incorporated into the main structure of the house in the early 1900s.
The house remained in the Harris family for nearly one hundred years. By the early 1970s it had become dilapidated. Subsequent owners have restored the home and grounds to their present beauty.
Please respect the owner’s privacy by not entering the grounds of Windermere.
Next:
Continue down Tasman Street and turn right onto Waterfront Drive. The Old Oak Hotel Site 13 is the first building on the right.
Mangonui Waterfront, early 20th C.