Story by Bri
The Bus Life Dream
Adventure in Mangawhai Heads, Northland & Bay of Islands, NZ
Not too far from town and the surf beach, sitting peacefully amongst the countryside and native bush sits Dorothy the Bus. For a few days, Jess and I got to live the bus life. Catching up over coffee in the front seats, reading books and relaxing in the outdoor bath tucked away in the bush, the absolute dream.
I used to live in Mangawhai a year or so ago, and being able to come back and visit my old home was super special. It's funny how when you live somewhere, you often overlook just how magic a place can be, but upon returning my perspective was changed once again, and I got to experience Mangawhai as if for the first time.
We spent our days enjoying the sunshine, in the surf and exploring the coast along the beach and the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway.
Dorothy is the perfect little home on wheels, with enough space for all the essentials, a kitchen to cook up some delicious meals, a separate bathroom in a little cabin next to the bus, as well as an outdoor bath. Having never been inside a house bus before I can quite confidently say I'd love to call one of these home, and to have the opportunity to live this dream for a few days was something special....
I used to live in Mangawhai a year or so ago, and being able to come back and visit my old home was super special. It's funny how when you live somewhere, you often overlook just how magic a place can be, but upon returning my perspective was changed once again, and I got to experience Mangawhai as if for the first time.
We spent our days enjoying the sunshine, in the surf and exploring the coast along the beach and the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway.
Dorothy is the perfect little home on wheels, with enough space for all the essentials, a kitchen to cook up some delicious meals, a separate bathroom in a little cabin next to the bus, as well as an outdoor bath. Having never been inside a house bus before I can quite confidently say I'd love to call one of these home, and to have the opportunity to live this dream for a few days was something special....
Things We Did
- Surf
- Beach
- Food & Drink
Off-shore winds, a fun swell coming through, the sun shining all day and smiles all around. Mangawhai is known for its surf beaches and at the main beach you're never short on options for surfing. Straight out from the surf club or over the bar, or venture further North or South of the Heads to Waipu Cove and Te Arai. Bring a board of your own or hit up the local surf school for board hire or a lesson....
Mangawhai Heads Beach is absolutely breathtaking. Take a stroll to the end of the beach where the cliffs meet the ocean. You can spend a few hours basking in the sun, exploring the small sand dune and rock pools, or you can embark on an adventure on the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. This 9km return track will take you 2-3hrs and show you the incredible coastline, views of the ocean and out to the nearby islands. At low tide, there is an option to walk back along the beach....
One of the many incredible places to eat and drink at in town is Brewed As. They are known for their specialty coffee, artisan sandwiches and wraps, morning boosting smoothies and raw treats. They have an incredible and unique breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, accompanied by a selection of craft beers, wine and cocktails. Their focus on sustainability and supporting local makes this place extra special....
Walking into this place is like walking into an old European town. Bennetts was started in 1998 and what first started as a chocolate shop, has blossomed into so much more. Locally made chocolate, a cafe with incredible food and coffee, and a place that is now home to a few local businesses. This is a must-see in Mangawhai....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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