Hokianga
Hokianga-Nui-A-Kupe - The Place of Kupe’s great return. Just over three hours’ drive north of Auckland on State Highway 12, the giant kauri of the Waipoua Kauri Forest act as sentinels for the undiscovered jewel of Northland’s west coast, the historic Hokianga Harbour.
Known also as Te Kohanga o Te Tai Tokerau (the nest of the northern tribes), it is the central point from which most Northland Maori trace their ancestry. Many of the country's bicultural families also have their origins here.
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Well maintained tracks give access to the forest giants like 1400 year old Tane Mahuta and 2000 year old Te Matua Ngahere. Other forest walks include Yakas Track, Lookout Walk and the Waiotemarama Kauri and waterfall walks. Then discover several fabulous coastal walks, including the Signal Station Walk with its awesome sand dune views.
Many small picturesque villages dot the Hokianga, including the twin settlements of Omapere and Opononi (made famous in 1955-56 by Opo the dolphin). From here, you can travel out to 300m high sand dunes. Rawene, New Zealand's third oldest European settlement, has historic Clendon House. Moving up the harbour the second oldest European settlement, Horeke, was the site of a thriving ship-building industry as early as 1826. Nearby is the Mangungu Mission House, established the following year by the Wesleyan missionaries at the invitation of chief Patuone. At the same time, across the water, Kohukohu developed a prosperous timber trade and at one time was the largest social and cultural centre in the North. Signs of its past glory can still be seen.
Hokianga has a wide range of accommodation available, from bed and breakfasts, farm stays, backpackers and camping grounds to hotels and motels.
There is plenty to see, do and explore. Horse trekking, a craft trail, carving, a boulder valley, bush walks, sand dunes, fishing, boating, swimming and golf. Plus there is a museum and great eating establishments. Or you can just take it easy in the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
The vehicle ferry takes up to 23 cars each crossing, providing a fast, comfortable trip across the Hokianga Harbour. First sailing from Rawene 7.30am and last sailing from the Narrows near Kohukohu at 8pm. It departs from Rawene on the half-hour and the Narrows on the hour.
Travelling east towards the Bay of Islands is the town of Kaikohe, a welcoming stopover for shopping and refreshment. On Monument Hill you'll find a tribute to Hone Heke, New Zealand's first Maori Member of Parliament. Kaikohe also has a Pioneer Village, for a glimpse of life as it was a century ago. A little further on Ngawha Springs off State Highway 12 is New Zealand's most northerly geothermal site.
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