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Things to see and do.

Fishing Pouto Point

Dargaville is the central town of the Kaipara. Situated just 2½ hours north of Auckland along a beautiful scenic road, Dargaville has a subtropical climate, as does all of Northland - known as "The Winterless North".

Dargaville is a hugely exciting area to fish. Species such as snapper, gurnard, kahawai and trevally are common here year round but its the Summer fishing which is the real draw card. In addition to the above species, from November through to mid March large kingfish chase mullet up the coast and are often caught by just using normal strips of fish bait. If that isn't enough to excite you, then try targeting the marlin which cruise just behind the breakers from February until May.

You will find excellent shopping downtown and plenty of restaurants, hotels and cafés for those who don't want to cook at the motel, and James and Caela offer very good room service breakfasts.

In the surrounding area known as the Kauri Coast, Anthony Taylor will take you on a beach bus trip (pick up from motel) along the Ripiro Coast to the historical Kaipara lighthouse.

A Taylor made beach Tour you do not want to miss!

Along the way you will explore/view:

• 1884 Pouto Lighthouse
• Buried Forest, by ash from the Volcanic Plateau (Rotorua)
• Shipwreck sites, there are 153 known, we see two to three
• Rare birds
• Net/line fishing
• Sand tobogganing
• Sawmilling towns
• History of the farming, kumara and local land
• Viewing entrance to largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere
• Sand dunes
• Brick Shanty
• Golf on floating pontoon, have a crack at golf at Kelly's Bay
• Floating cowshed
• Beach combing

Taylor Made Tours, Ripiro Beach

Bookings, Phone 0800 89 1334 or 09 439 1576

Don't miss....

• The magnificent Waipoua Forest - Home of Tane Mahuta 'God of the Forest'
• The nature sanctuary of Trounson Kauri Park
• Nelson's Kaihu Kauri gallery
• Exquisite crystal clear Kai Iwi Lakes
• Ripiro Beach - NZ's longest driveable beach at 100kms
• Northern Wairoa River - NZ's longest navigable river
• The Kauri Museum
• Kaipara Harbour - longest coastline in the Southern Hemisphere
• The majestic Pouto Peninsula
• Sightseeing, bush walks and library of books and information available from Reception (local tours etc).
• Spend time to visit Dargaville's Maritime Museum up on Mt Wesley overlooking the town.

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A must see
Ernie's live Kumara show and DVD presentation of the Kaipara area and forests.

For Bookings and show times Call Ernie, 09 439 7018

 

 

situated at Kaihu 30 kms North of Dargaville, on State Highway 12.

The 750 square metre octagonal gallery is supported by a 30-ton Ancient Kauri log centrepiece. Nelson's Kaihu Kauri Gallery features:

• A large range of wood art
• Pottery
• Hand-blown glass
• Greenstone
• Paua
• Handmade soaps
• Local paintings
• And a wide range of New Zealand-made gifts and souvenirs.

Lignite Ripiro Beach

There's an 18 hole Golf Course, fishing by boat out on the Kaipara, surfcasting off Baylys or Glinks Gully, and trout fishing at the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes approximately 30 mins Northwest.

Excellent surfing and Ocean Swimming is nearby (12 mins) at Baylys and 45 mins North is the wonderful Waipoua Kauri Forest (home of the famed Tane Mahuta,'God of the Forest') and Trounson Kauri Park (where you can go on a guided nightime walk and see the native kiwi in its natural habitat.)

Ripiro Beach, just 12 minutes from Dargaville, is the longest driveable beach in New Zealand. It extends 100km from Maunganui Bluff in the north to Pouto Point at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour in the south.

Pouto Point

 

Kauri Coast Walking Tracks

Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Walk

Tokatoka is a very distinctive landmark in the Kaipara district. The track surface is variable from grass, roots, soil and rock.  The track ascends continuously; nearing the top there is a particularly steep but short climb of 20 metres before the summit.  From the top of this peak, the near 360-degree views are stunning.  It almost feels like being on top of the world and makes the 20-minute climb well worth it. You get great views up to Dargaville and back down the Kaipara, and on a clear day, you are able to see Bream Head and Tangihua range towards the east.

Maunganui Bluff Walk
Few walks match the magnificent Maunganui Bluff for breathtaking scenery.  The Bluff rises 460 metres from the sea below and comprises a 495 hectare scenic reserve, one of the few examples of dense coastal forest remaining in Northland.  Located on the Aranga Coast Road, 40 kms north of Dargaville.  It is a 3 hour return walk to the summit.  The track climbs steadily and may prove difficult for younger children, elderly or unfit people, but generally this route is recommended for families.

 

 

 

Kai iwi Lakes

The three beautiful crystal clear fresh water lakes are fringed by pure white sand and set amid farmland and pine plantations. You can walk around the 3 lakes by following the contour of the land. 

 

The Taharoa domain

is 2.5 kms from the Tasman Sea and a walking track to the coast crosses farmland before dropping down sand dunes and a low cliff to the beach.

Kai iwi Lakes to Maunganui Bluff
From where the Lakes track meets the beach it is a 1.5 hour walk to the rocky base of Maunganui Bluff at Aranga Beach to the north.  Please allow 3-4 hours return.

Baylys Walkway
A 15 minute walk across sand dunes and low cliff between Baylys and Chases Gorge, which are two small neighbouring coastal settlements.  From the top you and see the wild majesty of the coast and recognise off-shore holes and rips which make swimming unsafe.