Hokianga - Far NorthExplore historic Hokianga Harbour and Waipoua Kauri Forest !
The Hokianga is located in the Far North of the North Island and popular for holidays in New Zealand, for locals and tourists alike.It is an area with unique features with Hokianga Harbour and the many historic towns dotting its foreshores providing some interesting sightseeing and activities. Historic Rawene
Only an hour from Paihia, Rawene is the third oldest town in New Zealand and has a main street lined with historic wooden buildings including and Art Gallery, the old Courthouse and three lovely old churches. Along the waterfront the BoatShed Cafe sits out over the water with beautiful views across the Harbour to the small settlements dotting the surrounding hills....each with their own little church.
Clendon House along from the Cafe is well worth visiting. Still with its original furnishings it is a wonderful display of life in early New Zealand. The curator will not be resident now till late October, although Clendon House will be open....but he certainly keeps you enthralled as he tells the history of Thomas Clendon and his family.Opononi and Omapere Opononi and Omapere look across to stunning white sand dunes...there are tours daily for those wanting to have some fun sliding down the sandhills. The beaches are popular for holidaymakers...... Oponini became a household name in the ‘50’s when a dolphin named settled in the harbour, drawing huge numbers to see him. Kohukohu You can take the vehicular ferry from the wharf across to Kohukohu....originally a timber milling town.Here another cafe - The Waterline sits out over the water and two art gallerys featuring local artists work are well worth a visit. The Hokianga has attracted a large artist population and there is an abundance of galleries to visit. Visit the information centre for brochures with a tour you can do independently. Horeke - Visit the Oldest Pub in New Zealand! Further down and across the water is Horeke...originally a ship building town and home to New Zealand’s oldest pub. It entails a detour on an unsealed road. Waipoua Kauri Forest - See "Tane Mahuta"If you are travelling to Northland....plan to go up one coast and return via the other. Most travel up the east coast, returning via the west coast.After exploring the Hokianga you can travel back to Auckland through the beautiful Waipoua Kauri Forest. The main attraction here is “Tane Mahuta” the biggest kauri tree in New Zealand with a trunk that is awe inspiring. There are many forest walks in the area if you have time. The tourist information centre which has a small museum is a little difficult to find....it is signposted but the road looks like you have taken a wrong turn. Keep going you are almost there! You may want to take time to visit Kai Iwi Lakes and Bayleys Beach...out from Dargaville.
Matakohe Museum Be sure to allow two or three hours to go through Matakohe Museum. The other day an English visitor who has spent 3 months travelling the country told me he considered this the best museum in New Zealand! I have had several rave reviews from overseas guests. Other Activities in the Far North There are plenty of activities including
Where to Stay There are backpackers and the Rawene Camping Ground has cabins as well as camp sites set amongst the trees. Oponini has a camping ground across the road from the beach, while Omapere has a Copthorne Hotel located right on the water. There will be many other camping sites in the Far North...refer to NZ Camping
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