Explore Hokianga & Kauri Coast

From incredibly beautiful harbours, wild sand dunes and charming settlements to stretches of dominant kauri forest, surprising lakes and sunset-focused coastlines, this historically rich region is utterly fascinating.

Talk to a Local

Craig Pinkney - Ranui Skipper and Hokianga Fisherman

My top must-do’s for visitors would have to be:

• Seeing the Wairere Boulders in Hōreke

• Visiting Māngungu Mission Station in Hōreke

• Going to Manea Footprints of Kupe Cultural Centre in Ōpononi

• Experiencing Ōpononi’s sand dunes

• Cruising the Hokianga on the historic Ranui

• Visiting Rāwene village

Tane Mahuta, Waipōua © David Kirkland

I also recommend visitors take a walk around the Kohukohu Heritage Precinct to see properties built in the logging days of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Pick up a guidebook at Village Arts in Kohukohu.

If you’re looking for a feed, Kai2Go in Kohukohu and the Boatshed Café in Rāwene are both excellent eating places.

Rāwene art gallery © David Kirkland

For a delightful day trip, I suggest Mitimiti Beach on the Hokianga coast, where you may see wild horses. The countryside on the way is stunning. Make sure you stop in Panguru to honour Dame Whina Cooper at her memorial and maybe have a drink at the pub there. Why not?

Living in Hokianga is awesome because it is one of the last bastions of authentic New Zealand, with real people living in supportive communities. It’s a place where you can have some input into how your life works, a place where you can be yourself.

Hokianga © NorthlandNZ

Want more? Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz