Hokianga & Kauri Coast
Ho k i anga
HISTORY SEEPS FROM EVERY PORE OF THE HOKIANGA, WITH MEMORIALS TO THE PAST, HISTORIC BUILDINGS, VINTAGE
Area
BOATS AND WHARVES AND MUSEUMS ARCHIVING THE ANCIENT STORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF THE REGION. IT’S ALSO IN THE LANDSCAPE ITSELF, IN THE HILLS, THE COASTLINE AND THE
Hokianga Harbour Ferry The 15-minute
HARBOUR MOUTH, WITH THE SENSE THAT ANCESTORS HAVE
car and passenger ferry reduces the drivetime between Rāwene and Kohukohu by a lot, plus it’s fun. Get your camera ready, the scenery is fantastic.
LEFT THEIR MARK HERE.
HŌreke
Vintage Boat Trips Sail on Hokianga Harbour with Ranui. This cute vessel dates back to 1945 but there's plenty of go left in her yet. If you’re a cyclist, Ranui provides a connection to both the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and the Far North Cycleway.
Kohukohu
Dolphin Spotting Embark on the Arai Te Uru Heritage Walk and look out for dolphins at the southern head of Hokianga Harbour. It takes all of 10 minutes to get there, with an alternative route back.
wene ianSprings gR aĀ A 40-minute drive east, HokNgāwhā
natural thermal water bubbles from the earth into 16 rustic geothermal pools. Following a $4.3 million refurb in 2020, there are now an additional eight private pools. Adult prices start from $34 with reduced fees for Northland residents.
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Area
Area
Ōpononi &
The Heads, Hokianga Looking directly into the mouth of Hokianga Harbour, this establishment is splendid for a sundowner. Sit on the restaurant’s charming deck and watch the sun slide into the Tasman Sea.
āpere em HŌrekŌ
HŌreke Town of Firsts It may be the second oldest town in the country, but it was the first to debut New Zealand’s premier pub, first post office and even the nation’s first murder trial.
Hokianga Harbour © Adobe Stock RIGHT: Twin Coast Cycle Trail © Bevan Woodward
when hunger strikes, which is often on this lengthy 84km ride. Stretching from the Bay of Islands in the east to the western reaches of Hokianga Harbour, the track lives up to its name.
Kohukohu
Hōreke Hotel Step inside New Zealand’s first pub. Jutting over the water on stilts, relax with a drink on the deck, surrounded by sun-streaked water and lazing shags.
Māngungu Mission House Perched on a picturesque slope, the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place here. Inside, historic possessions remain, including a 200-year-old clock.
RĀwene
Rangiahua A short drive down SH 1 and home to tidal marshes thriving with wildfowl and endangered swamp birds.
Wairere Boulders More than just formidable rock formations, visitors can explore the walking trails, jump in the swimming hole, hire a kayak, try the caravan café (weekends only) and camp overnight.
Ōpononi &
Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Hōreke sits on the route of this popular one to two-day bike ride, making it the ideal pit stop
Ōmāpere
See Map Section - pages 58 to 61
KaihŪ Kohukohu avilthelbest rgshowcasing e of them. Danight Held at the local fire station. ne Hotel, Pub and RĀweKohukohu
Village Dallying Kohukohu was made for pottering. Cheery and picturesque, wander between heritage villas, the Masonic Lodge, Anglican Church and a delightfully aesthetic old school. Village Arts Gallery Open Tuesday to Sunday, pop into this creative community art space. Nearby Geddes Gallery also welcomes visitors but it’s by appointment only.
musicians with this monthly music
Café Great community-focused café pub open all day from breakfast, with outdoor seating overlooking the perennially striking Hokianga Harbour.
Matakohe
& Stays An unexpected ŌpononiTreehouse surprise in the forest, The Tree or lsfrustic d eloffers House hostel Wā p e r accommodation between the trees. Open Mic Night Kohukohu Ōm e is home to a bevy of talented
A very peaceful place to disconnect.
The ferry between Kohukohu and Rāwene takes 15 minutes.
KaihŪ
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