Himatangi Beach

Himatangi Beach has something for everyone! It offers a long sandy beach with the largest sand dunes in New Zealand and the most amazing sunsets. There’s plenty of room for families to have fun with fishing, volley ball or a quiet stroll on the beach. Himatangi Beach has its own icon - a huge buoy. It originates from Australia, was found washed up some years back and placed in the village. The local Arts Collective group have tiled it depicting beach scenes.

History

The coastal settlement of Himatangi commemorates the feats of legendary Maori explorer, Matangi. It is a name that reaches back for centuries to the beginning of human habitation in Manawatu. Matangi is said to have lived at Himatangi for a period and to have slain a great taniwha near here. (Click here to read the story of Matangi and the taniwha).

There is evidence that many small Maori villages were dotted along this coast. Plenty of food could be gathered from the sea and from the swampy areas that were inland from here. Middens containing shells have been found at many sites in the coastal dunes and are evidence of the many communities that flourished here.

In the days since Europeans arrived in Aotearoa, Himatangi has developed into a popular beach resort bordering a district of dairy farms.

Community Contacts

Graeme Smith (06) 329 6830
Liaison Councillor

The Beach Press (06) 3299-777

Bruce Harris (06) 3299575
Chairman Community Committee

George Annear (06) 3299517
Chairman Himatangi Beach Progressive Society
Email george@internet-centre.co.nz

Himatangi Beach Web Page
www.himatangi-beach.gen.nz