Northland
Explore HOKIANGA
Kids playing on Hokianga Beach © Getty Images
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Fun things to do in HOKIANGA
HOKIANGA HARBOUR FERRY Taking both car and foot traffic, the 15-minute scenic journey aboard Hokianga ferry departs Rāwene and arrives Kohukohu, saving you hours of driving time. Once in Kohukohu, explore the village and then venture on to Kaitāia, Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Rēinga. The ferry sails daily and there’s no need to book, just rock up and pay on-board. WAIRERE BOULDERS Walking trails built around these awesome rock formations vary from 40 minutes to three hours. It’s a 35-minute drive from Hokianga but once here, you can trek to the swimming hole or rent a kayak and row down the boulder stream back to Hokianga Harbour. VINTAGE BOAT TRIPS Sail on Hokianga Harbour with Ranui. This dandy vintage vessel dates back to 1945. Rather than retire the dame, her owners decided to refurbish her. The boat’s revival also provides a vital connection to two of the Far North’s major (and majorly popular) cycle trails – the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and the Far North Cycleway. DOLPHIN SPOTTING A good spot for spotting dolphins is the
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South Head along the Arai te Uru Heritage Walk. This short and enjoyable pathway is also suitable for buggies. NGĀWHĀ SPRINGS A 40-minute drive east, thermal water bubbles from the ground into 10 wooden tubs, all varying in temperature and rich in body-soothing minerals. ŌPONONI SAND DUNES Surfing down the giant sand dunes on a boogie board is a must-do while in this neck of the woods. For information on how to get there and how to do it, see page 36. AUTHENTIC MĀORI EXPERIENCE Book a marae stay on Hokianga Harbour at Motuti Marae and enjoy an evening of waiata (singing), haka (Māori war dance) and then help to build a hangi in the ground. ROCK POOLS At the end of the Waimamaku Beach Rd, along the Arai Te Uru Coastal Walkway, there are large rock pools, big enough to bathe in. CLENDON HOUSE This charming cottage was built in the 1860s by James Clendon, an early European settler. Furnished with original items, step inside to step back in time. PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP
