Hokianga

In the days of king kauri, Kohukohu was one of the busiest ports north of Auckland with 5000 men employed at the saw mill. Now the splendid old kauri villas are more likely to house artists than shipbuilding artisans.

Hokianga Heart Trail loga

The Hokianga Heart Trail provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the area's blossoming art scene. A number of art galleries and cafes give access to their works.

Spend time there and you’re also sure to start up conversation with a friendly local who will tell you all about the long line of Hokianga eccentrics, starting with Baron de Thierry, the French colonist who declared himself Sovereign Chief of New Zealand in the 19 th century.

Back to the state highway and the splendour of the Hokianga hits you as you descend into Opononi. Who can fail to draw ones breath as the Hokianga harbour comes into sight and the giant sand dunes resonate their golden light.

The fantastic heights of the sand dunes can be scaled and descended by body board - a water taxi from Opononi drops the adventurous over to the north head of the harbour and kids of all ages exhaust themselves by scaling the slithering mountain and sand tobogganing down – great fun.

Surfing the Hokianga sand dunes

Personally, I prefer to pay my respects to the 180m dunes from the south head viewpoint at Signal Station Road - and imagine what Kupe would have seen over a millennium ago when he first sailed into Aotearoa. An easy task, as the view has surely not changed much – few houses interrupt the view and the two taniwha who guard the harbour entrance still stir up the waters with their lashing tails to fend off incoming boats. The reserve further along Signal Station Road has some wonderful isolated beaches - and rock pools that look like mini spa baths from above.

Famous in the 50’s for Opo the friendly dolphin, Opononi and its neighbouring sister Omapere are a favourite best kept secret for many holiday makers – from water lovers to those using it as a base for the magnificent Waipoua Forest. Others just enjoy a drink or meal on the deck of the local hotel. A watering hole has been on this site since the 1870’s - right on the waters edge, bask in the magnificent views of the Hokianga Harbour, the shimmering sand dunes and fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Hokianga time.