Kaitaia
- Dargaville
211 km (132 miles)
Approximately 2.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
From Kaitaia you can catch a tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Find time to investigate the Far North Regional Museum and the local nocturnal park.
The backcountry route to Dargaville takes you past the Herekino Forest, where you can stretch your legs on the Kaitaia Walkway. In Kohukohu you'll find some charming historic buildings. A vehicular ferry will carry you over the harbour to Rawene, a great stop for coffee and crafts. Further on is Opononi, where you can arrange to go sand dune surfing.
Your next adventure is the awesome Waipoua Forest, home of New Zealand's largest kauri trees. The Trounson Kauri Park is another opportunity for tree gazing. Not far from Dargaville are the Kai Iwi lakes. These beautiful sand dune lakes are popular for camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.
Scenic Highlights
Ninety Mile Beach
A world of forest, sand and ocean waves, 90 Mile Beach is an almost neverending paradise.
Arai Te Uru Reserve and Signal Hill
According to local legend, the north and south heads of the Hokianga Harbour were once giant taniwha (sea monsters).
Pouto Peninsula and Ripiro Beach
A remote wilderness of sand, sea and sky, the Pouto Peninsula and Ripiro Beach make an excellent day trip from Dargaville.
Waipoua Kauri Forest
A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tane Mahuta, probably the largest tree you'll ever lay eyes upon.
Kai Iwi Sand Lakes
Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and relaxing are all great reasons to visit Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland.
Trounson Kauri Park
A night walk through Trounson Kauri Park is an unforgettable experience. The owls call 'morepork' and kiwi roam the forest floor.
Tokatoka Peak
Tokatoka Peak is an extraordinary mountain near the edge of the Wairoa River in Northland. It only takes 20 minutes to walk to the summit.
Activities
Northland
Fishing – Salt Water (22),
Off Road Driving Adventure (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Northland
Fishing – Salt Water (2),
Off Road Driving Adventure (3)
|
Print Driving Route
