Kai Iwi Sand Lakes

Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and relaxing are all great reasons to visit Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland.

Located north of Dargaville, the Kai Iwi Lakes are basin-type dune lakes created during the Pleistocene Epoch, which began more than 1.8 million years ago. They were formed by the accumulation of rainwater in depressions of sand. Underlying ironstone prevents the water from leaking away. Each of the three lakes is fringed with pure white sand and there are shallow areas that are ideal for swimming; you can also fish for rainbow trout or paddle a kayak. Pine forest gives the air a delightful tang.

There are hiking tracks leading around the lakes and two popular camping areas – Pine Beach and Promenade Point. The Tasman Sea is just 2.5 kilometres to the west - a walkway provides access to the coast through an adjoining farm property.