The Directory

Step back in time. Remember how slow it was in the 1950s and 60s? Remember when everyone wasn't rushing around? Remember how silence sounded, and how stars looked in the night sky? If you yearn for a taste of this, then Mangakino is the place for you. Non-commercial, a hidden gem according to the NZ Herald when they stayed.

The bach is an authentic kiwi bach, nothing fancy, once used as a workman's cottage in the 1950s while the dam at Lake Maraetai was being built. There is a 10 metre deck to catch the sun, and the pot belly stove throws out a magnificent heat in winter.

There is also a two-berth caravan if you fancy a night with a lamp and a sleeping bag, or to sit up til dawn playing cards at the folding table. It's a wonderful space to write, and read, wrapped in the blue and white 1970s time capsule.

The section is fairly large and can accommodate your vehicles, boat, campervan etc. You could rest your horses for a night or three. We've heard it said that dogs have enjoyed the wide open spaces locally. The Whakamaru Waterski Club is close by, and the lovely Whakamaru Reserve where the Yogi Bear movie was filmed.

If you like water sports you could kayak, waterski or MIA will give you wakeboarding lessons. There is an historic paddleboat to take you on excursions over Lake Maraetai. You can play golf at the 9-holer. Summers are hot.

Located in the south Waikato, the Central Plateau is close by, so it's perfect for summer trekking, or the winter exploration of alpine areas, National Park or Mt.Ruapehu to see the snow, stopping at Tokaanu for a hot thermal soak before arriving back at the bach, satisfied and pooped, to light the pot belly and find the slow cooker has cooked you up a treat.

No shopping malls, movie theatres, or car parks. No queues, traffic, MacDonald's or much to spend your money on. Give yourself a holiday from what you do at home. 

Key terms: pet friendly accommodation, holiday with dogs South Waikato, dogs welcome Mangakino, Accommodation with dogs Central Plateau