The Kauri Coast is a dramatic stretch of picturesque beaches and Kauri forest accessed along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, 90 minutes? drive north of Auckland. Drive toward the mighty Kaipara Harbour to the famous Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Enj... Show More
Tourist Information About Kauri Coast
The Kauri Coast is a dramatic stretch of picturesque beaches and Kauri forest accessed along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, 90 minutes? drive north of Auckland. Drive toward the mighty Kaipara Harbour to the famous Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Enjoy the riverside town of Dargaville built along the edge of the wide Northern Wairoa River with significant Maori and pioneer history. Visit Baylys Beach for your first encounter with the wild Tasman Sea. Three stunning freshwater lakes known as the Kai Iwi Lakes are situated 35km northwest of Dargaville, and then further north to the Kauri rainforests including Trounson Park which is a protected ?island? reserve home to 200 kiwi living in their natural environment.
Best Attractions and free things to do in the Kauri Coast
1. Footprints Waipoua
Witness Māori's connection to the forest and their great spiritual reverence for these sentinels who have stood peacefully witnessing the passage of time. Before reverently greeting the world's oldest and largest known kauri trees with spine-tingling chants and song, your guide will provide thought-provoking information, amusing banter, anecdotes, and legends.
Observe the change from day to night, and your senses will become hauntingly amplified. The moments you capture are eternal treasures, just like these massive kauri trees.
2. Manea Theater
Manea Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multimodal adventure through art, taonga, film, performance, computer interactivity, and the natural beauty of Hokianga's environs. Manea provides you a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience, taking you on a voyage through te ao Māori, the Māori universe.
3. Trounson Kauri Park
Trounson Kauri Park is a lovely spot to visit at any time of day or night! To witness gigantic kauri trees, take the 40-minute Trounson Kauri Loop Track. Glowworms, kiwis, eels in the streams, and other creatures make the forest come alive at night! Furthermore, the park has a well-maintained Department of Conservation campground.
4. Koutu Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are well-known throughout the South Island, but have you heard of the Koutu Boulders? On the edge of the Hokianga Harbor, Northland boasts its unique group of perfectly spherical boulders. Low tide is the ideal time to watch them along the beach!
5. Sandboard Down the Niua Sand Dunes
The North Head sand dunes, also known as Niua, are an incredible natural playground! Boat tours to the sand dunes depart from Opononi, with bodyboards provided. The perfect day trip for your family!
6. Tokatoka Peak
This oddly shaped mountain begs to be conquered! The hike up Tokatoka Peak, the plug of an ancient volcano, takes about 20 minutes. Prepare for a strenuous trek that will reward you with 360-degree vistas of Dargaville, Kaipara, and beyond!
7. Kauri Museum
The Kauri Museum is one of the most loved museums! The Kauri Museum highlights the tale of the kauri forest industry's pioneers and how they forested New Zealand's tallest trees. There's a lot to discover in this massive museum's various wings and basements. View operating machinery, walk through a life-size pioneer home, and much more!
8. Wairere Boulders
Explore this amazing valley, which is full of worn basalt boulders of various sizes and shapes. The enormous boulders, streams, and 24 wooden structures of the Wairere Boulders Nature Park can be explored on a number of excursions ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours. This place is an incredible photo opportunity!
9. Ripiro Beach
Ripiro Beach, New Zealand's longest drivable beach, covers 101 kilometers from Maunganui Bluff in the north to Poutu in the Kaipara Harbour. The beach has many entrances, the most popular of which is Bayleys Beach. At Bayleys Beach, you can join one of the local horse excursions or simply take a long walk on the beach. Although the view may be breathtaking, swimming is not recommended due to the severe rips.
10. Kai Iwi Lakes
Three freshwater lakes with white sand beaches, footpaths, and campers make up the Kai Iwi Lakes. If you have your own equipment, the lakes are popular for water-based activities like kayaking and windsurfing. Each of the three lakes has a walk around it, the shortest being around Lake Kai Iwi (1-hour circle) and the longest being around Lake Taharoa, which is a 2-hour loop.
