You are here: Live & Work › About Northland › Districts › Kaipara District
Kaipara District
Kaipara District – “Two Oceans Two Harbours, Kaipara te Oranganui”
The Kaipara District has a population of of approximately 18,000 residents and has a land area of just over 300,000 hectares. The district begins at about an hours drive north of Auckland. It stretches to the east coast and the South Pacific Ocean and across to the west coast and the Tasman Sea.
 |
| Freshwater lakes to take your breath a |
The east coast features magnificent surf and white sandy beaches and the popular, growing township of Mangawhai.
The west coast of Kaipara provides a wonderful contrast - wild beaches with a backbone of awesome sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The district is home to ancient forests of the awesome kauri tree, rolling farmlands and the jewel-like Kai Iwi lakes.
Many small and beautiful villages and communities are dotted through the Kaipara district. Dargaville is the largest settlement with a population of almost 5,000.
 |
| Grapes on the vine in Mangawhai |
The fertile soils, subtropical temperatures and abundant rainfall of the district means its economy is largely based on agriculture, with the dairy industry playing a major role. Fonterra has a milk processing plant at Maungaturoto.
Horticulture is also key to the district with kumara (sweet potato) currently the largest crop grown in the district. Newly planted vineyards and more recent plantings of olives and avocados are progressing well on the East Coast.
Research is available that identifies new crops that are likely to succeed in the Kaipara.
Tourism is also developing to become a significant contributor to the region’s economy.
Related Websites
- Kaipara District Council
The Kaipara District Council website will provide you with information and links to all sorts of information about the Kaipara
Visit Kaipara District community websites - The Kauri Coast
- Magical Mangawhai
- Mangawhai
- Dargaville
- Paparoa
- Destination Northland: West Coast
The Kauri Coast as a destination - 2CU
Search a Northland community services directory