Best of Hokianga, Kauri Coast & Kaipara 2022-23

Hokianga estuary © Adobe Stock

HISTORIC ROADIE

More than 1000 years ago, Kupe and his people were the first to arrive in New Zealand, landing at beautiful Hokianga Harbour. There is a lot of European history here, too: the first Catholic mass was held at Motuti in 1838.

Along the waterfront are the historic towns of Ōpononi, Ōmāpere, Rāwene, Kohukohu and Hōreke. The beautiful twin settlements of Ōmāpere and Ōpononi are famous for the huge sand dunes that dominate thehorizon. From Rāwene, catch the car ferry to charming Kohukohu. Visit the Mission House in Hōreke, built for Wesleyan Reverend Nathaniel Turner in 1838 with views over the harbour.

Heading south down the west coast takes you through more extraordinary pockets of Northland. Again, history is rich and potent here, with kauri featuring large inmore ways than one. You’ll pass the many inlets and tributaries of New Zealand’s largest harbour, the Kaipara; a stop in Dargaville will provide the opportunity to learn the impact this harbour had on the region. Matakohe, at the southern end of this journey, is another essential stop to allow time for.

Tāne Mahuta © Northland Inc.

ON KAURI COAST

There are only a few pockets of kauri left now. Northland was built on the milling of the valuable timber and the digging of the gum for varnish in the 19th century. Magnificent kauri still rule in WaipōuaForest north of Dargaville and, closer to the town, in Trounson Kauri Park. Having met kauri face to face, head to Matakohe Kauri Museum to learn the history of this incredible and impressive tree.

Arai te Uru Heritage Walk © Adobe Stock

VISIONS OF THE PAST

MATAKOHE Built on the banks of the Matakohe River, this settlement is probably best known for its excellent museum dedicated to the history of kauri. It tells stories of the pioneer settlers of the area through the theme of kauri, with high-quality displays and elements of surprise that create an exceptionally fun experience for visitors of all ages.

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM

Overlooking the township with views across the Northern Wairoa River, the Dargaville Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi is a genuine treasure trove of the region’s history. From around 1880 to early 1900, Dargaville was the country’s busiest port so, along with kauri industry history, there is a wealth of marine history here.

KAIPARA HARBOUR

This shallow harbour is, surprisingly, one of the largest in the world, with over 400 square kilometres exposed at low tide. Its heyday was during the kauri boom. These days, it’s home to kayaks, fishing charters, bird watching and cruises between Dargaville and Helensville.

CLENDON HOUSE

This charming home in Rāwene was built for Captain James Clendon, the Chairman of New Zealand’s first bank and the first United States Consul in this country. Now owned by Heritage New Zealand and open to visitors, it provides fascinating insight into early colonial history.

ARAI TE URU RESERVE

At the south head of the Hokianga Harbour with expansive views of the coast and across to the famous sand dunes is this hugely significant historic site. It marks the first landing of Kupe, Māori settlement of the area and European influence. Remnants of the signal station which guided ships across the harbour entrance, which closed in 1951, can still be seen. FOOTPRINTS OF KUPE Manea Tapuwae a Nuku is a dynamic, multisensory ‘museum’ near Ōpononi, brings the history and culture of the area to life.

Kauri Museum, Matakohe © Adobe Stock

ADVENTURES UP NORTH

Wairere Boulders

Walking trailsbuilt around these awesome rock formations vary from 40 minutes to three hours. It’s a 35-minute drive from Hokianga then a trek to the swimming hole or rent a kayak and paddle down the boulder stream back to Hokianga Harbour.

Heritage Track to South Head Lookout

This 1km loop track near Ōmāpere on the south shore of Hokianga Harbour takes approximately 20 minutes – a short walk from Signal Station Road offering spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and the harbour.

Waipōua Coastal Walk

Feel shipwrecked on this beautiful stretchof coastline near Kaikohe. An easy 6.5km out-and-back trail taking approximately 1hr 30min.

Waimamaku Coastal Track

Located in Arai Te Uru Recreation Reserve, this breathtaking, 11.5km coastal walk has many empty beaches and a large river mouth. You’ll need to be mindful of the tides as some sections are covered when the tide comes in. Aim to head off in the morning and you’ll be back by mid-afternoon.

Views of Matakohe @ Adobe Stock