Manakau

Living in Manakau and Waikawa Beach: a local guide for buyers and sellers

Manakau sits on State Highway 1 between Levin and Ōtaki, about 12 kilometres south of Levin and 8 kilometres north of Ōtaki. It is a small rural village known for its plant nurseries and horticulture, and about ten minutes down the road is Waikawa Beach, a quiet coastal settlement at the mouth of the Waikawa Stream. Together they offer country and coast within easy reach of both towns.

What is it like to live in Manakau?

Manakau has grown from 333 residents in 2013 to 480 in 2023. Manakau School is a rural primary school for Years 1 to 8, with a roll of just under 100. The village has a strong community and history: it had the first railway station on the Wellington to Manawatū line in 1886, and two marae, Tūkorehe and Wehi Wehi, both affiliated with Ngāti Raukawa hapū.

For everyday life there is the Manakau Market and The Greenery garden centre and café on State Highway 1, and the Manakau Hotel in the village. Driscoll Reserve is known for its camellia gardens. A bus links Levin, Manakau, Ōtaki and Waikanae on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What is Waikawa Beach like?

Waikawa Beach is about 20 minutes from Levin and has around 174 residents, with a median age of 59.6, so it is a peaceful spot for people who want a slower pace by the sea. The stream and estuary are popular for swimming, kayaking and canoeing, and the beach for walking and stone skimming. Hank Edwards Reserve at the beach end of Waikawa Beach Road has a playground, picnic tables, a basketball hoop, an outdoor shower, toilets and change rooms.

The area has wetlands and two small lakes with birdlife, including the rare bittern, and Waikawa Blueberries is on Waikawa Beach Road. Dogs can run off the lead on the beach and must be on a lead in the reserves and residential streets, and horses are welcome on the beach only.

Who do Manakau and Waikawa Beach suit?

Manakau suits families who want a village school and lifestyle buyers looking for land within reach of Levin and Ōtaki. Waikawa Beach suits buyers who want a quiet coastal home. With the new Ōtaki to north of Levin highway due for completion in 2029, it is worth understanding the route and how it affects access if you are buying near it.

What should I check before buying?

Waikawa Stream mouth. Erosion at the stream mouth has been an ongoing issue, made worse by storms in 2018. Check the LIM and ask the council about coastal hazards for the specific address.
Lifestyle and horticultural land. Confirm water supply and any water rights, wastewater, fencing, access and covenants.
Roads. Consider road noise near State Highway 1 and where the new highway runs relative to the property.
Inspection and insurance. Arrange a building inspection, especially near the coast, and ask your insurer about cover.

Thinking of selling?

Buyers will want to understand the land, services and access, and at Waikawa Beach any coastal hazard notes. Having your LIM and reports ready helps them move with confidence. Ask us for a free appraisal based on the closest comparable sales.

Talk to a local

Meet the Ray White Levin team or call 06 367 0661. Nearby, see Ōhau and Hōkio Beach.