DHL Lions Series - Ultimate Route

Day 24: Whangarei to Dargaville

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Whangarei - Paihia 1 hr  71/44 Paihia - Kaikohe 0.75 hr  47/29 Kaikohe - Dargaville 1.75 hrs  140/88   Totals for Day 3.5 hrs  258/161

Whangarei - Paihia - Kaikohe - Dargaville

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

A series of small settlements will lead you north. Just before Kawakawa, a side road runs to the glow-worm cave at Waiomio. Take a rest stop in Kawakawa, because it has a remarkable public toilet designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.

From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty, but you’ll enjoy some delightful scenery along the way. A short detour takes you to the port of Opua, where cruise ships often call.

The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Scenic Highlights

Whangarei - city by the sea
Various scenic options around Whangarei - a leisurely centre for exploring Northland and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

Kawiti Caves (Waiomio Caves)
Just before you reach Kawakawa, detour to Kawiti Caves. Discover stalactites, glow worms and Maori history.

The Bay of Islands
When you arrive in Paihia, find yourself a cruise or a charter boat and embark on a voyage of discovery around the islands.

Ruapekapeka Pa
The struggle between British troops and Maori in Northland led to the creation of this ingenious pa (fort).

Poor Knights Islands
The Poor Knights Islands, Northland New Zealand, are often called one of the world’s top dive locations.

Activities

Northland
Boat Cruises (22), Cultural Attractions (5), Diving (9)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Boat Cruises (2), Cultural Attractions (7)

Whangarei - Paihia - Kaikohe - Dargaville

Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Your journey to Kaikohe offers a choice of routes – via Kawakawa or via Haruru Falls. Kawakawa has a public toilet that simply begs to be seen. The very last building to be designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser, it’s a masterpiece of glass tiles and imagination. At Haruru you can walk to the falls, which tumble down in a perfect horseshoe.

On the road west you’ll come across the town of Ohaeawai, memorable for its historic hotel. Just before Kaikohe, a sign on your left will point the way to Ngawha Springs, the most northern of New Zealand’s geothermal sites.

Kaikohe is a well equipped town with everything a traveller could need. Local attractions include a pioneer village and farmstays.

Scenic Highlights

Kawiti Caves (Waiomio Caves)
Just before you reach Kawakawa, detour to Kawiti Caves. Discover stalactites, glow worms and Maori history.

The Bay of Islands
When you arrive in Paihia, find yourself a cruise or a charter boat and embark on a voyage of discovery around the islands.

Ruapekapeka Pa
The struggle between British troops and Maori in Northland led to the creation of this ingenious pa (fort).

Activities

Northland
Boat Cruises (22), Diving (9), Heritage Attractions (15)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Boat Cruises (2), Heritage Attractions (2)

Whangarei - Paihia - Kaikohe - Dargaville

Kaikohe is a well equipped town with everything a traveller could need. Local attractions include a pioneer village and farmstays.

A half hour drive west will find you in the Hokianga region. Highlights of this area include the harbourside settlements of Rawene and Opononi. Historic sites, walking, sand dune surfing and craft shopping are the most popular visitor activities.

As you leave the Hokianga, you’ll enter the awesome Waipoua Forest, home of New Zealand’s largest kauri trees. On the other side of the forest, the Trounson Kauri Park is another opportunity for tree gazing.

Not far from Dargaville, a sign points the way to Kai Iwi Lakes. These beautiful sand dune lakes are popular for camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking. Nearby Bayly’s Beach is a place to dig for shellfish (tua tua) and ride horses.

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

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
Boat Cruises (22), Heritage Attractions (15), Sailing (15)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Boat Cruises (2), Heritage Attractions (2), Sailing (1)