Taupo - Bay of Islands - Auckland

Day 5: Dargaville to Paihia

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Dargaville - Kaikohe 1.75 hrs  140/88 Kaikohe - Paihia 0.75 hr  47/29   Totals for Day 2.5 hrs  187/117

Dargaville - Kaikohe - Paihia

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.

On the road north you’ll have the chance to visit 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.

The Trounson Kauri Park is another interesting detour, or you can save your tree gazing for the awesome Waipoua Forest, home of New Zealand’s largest kauri trees. Highlights of the Hokianga region include the harbourside settlements of Opononi and Rawene. Historic sites, walking, sand dune surfing and craft shopping are the most popular visitor activities.

Rural scenery will accompany you to Kaikohe, a well equipped town with everything a traveller could need. Local attractions include a pioneer village and farmstays.

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 (20), Heritage Attractions (10), Sailing (18)

Tour and Sightseeing

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

Dargaville - Kaikohe - Paihia

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

The road to the Bay of Islands takes you past Ngawha Springs, the most northern of New Zealand’s geothermal sites. Then you’ll come across the town of Ohaeawai, memorable for its charming old hotel. At Pakaraka you can choose to drive to the Bay of Islands 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.

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

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 (20), Diving (7), Heritage Attractions (10)

Tour and Sightseeing

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