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About

The region of Kaipara lies in the North Island of New Zealand, situated toward the upper segment within Auckland. The area has been tagged with its namesake, which is none other than Kaipara Harbour - a prodigious and unspoiled harbor covering an extensive 947 square kilometers that holds title to being the biggest natural harbour located in southern hemisphere waters. Encompassing an expanse of approximately 3,000 sq. km and housing almost 27,000 individuals within its borders makes the Kaipara district one of Auckland's less densely occupied regions. Situated along Northern Wairoa River lies Dargaville; boasting a rich cultural heritage as both a kauri gum mining and timber milling town has earned it considerable recognition amidst other towns in Kaipara district. The district is mainly composed of rural areas, dominated by two industries: farming and forestry. The Kaipara region possesses highly fecund soil, known for being ideal to sustain dairy farming, beef farming and horticulture practices. In addition to these agro-based activities, the area also boasts a significant focus on forest industry with expansive tracts of plantation forests providing consistent supplies that are essential sources of timber as well as wooden products alike. The region of Kaipara is residence to various environmental charms, such as the grandiose expanse of Kaipara Harbour and Trounson Kauri Park where ancient kauri trees can be found. In addition, it has a diverse cultural heritage with an impressive Maori population along with numerous sites holding significance in history that are considered landmarks today. On the whole, Kaipara is an exquisite and mainly unexplored area of New Zealand, with a profound past filled with historical significance. Its breathtaking landscapes are simply awe-inspiring in its natural grandeur that stands testament to its allure. Predominantly defined by its close relationship between people and land; it exudes a strong sense of cultural identity uniquely Kiwi in nature.
Kaipara
Northland

Discover a hidden treasure

Ruawai Stopbank Trail

Ruawai Stopbank Trail

Kaipara
Attractions

The Trail runs south along the stopbank from Ruawai Wharf for 4km to the end of Simpson Road. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. The ride offers views of the Kaipara Harbour and access to a very special wide-open space.

Cyclists may choose to loop around Wilson’s Landing Road or continue along Simpsons Road for a longer ride, either to Tinopai or the café at Matakohe Museum. The Ruawai Flats were once a tidal swamp and over the past 100 years a man-made system of drains, floodgates and stopbanks have transformed it into some of the most fertile and productive kumara and dairy farmland in Northland.

See the floodgates operating, learn about the history of the area from informative signs and observe the wildlife as you ride. Facilities – there are parking, toilets and drinking fountain at the Ruawai Wharf and a Café in Ruawai township.

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Ripiro Beach

Ripiro Beach

Kaipara
Beaches

Ripiro beach is 107 km long and is New Zealand’s longest driveable beach, longer than the erroneously named Ninety Mile Beach. Baylys Beach is home to the famous local shellfish delicacy called the Toheroa, which was overfished in the 1960’s and 70’s and as a result, public gathering of the shellfish is now prohibited. You may however, find some tuatua’s. As the sands move over time pre-historic embedded kauri logs up to 50,000 years old are often exposed. Historically the wreck of the Alcemene was found here, a three-masted French warship that sank here in 1815.

Start from either Baylys Beach or Glinks Gully entrances where there are toilets, parking and vehicle access to the beach.

The beach is rideable 2 ½ hours either side of low tide (check Pouto tides) as the low tide exposes the hard sand. Ride as far as you like in either direction - we suggest riding into the wind first so you have an easy return trip.

Facilities – toilets, parking, Sharky’s Café and Takeaways at Baylys Beach.

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Lake Kai Iwi Trails

Lake Kai Iwi Trails

Kaipara
Attractions

New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and Lake Kai Iwi, nestled near Whanganui in the North Island, is no exception. This hidden gem offers a serene escape into the heart of nature, with a network of captivating trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. If you're seeking tranquility and adventure intertwined with lush greenery and the serenity of water, Lake Kai Iwi's trails are your perfect destination.Lake Kai Iwi's trails offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace the beauty of New Zealand's outdoors. Whether you're a hiker, cyclist, angler, or someone simply.

Lake Kai Iwi is a natural sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with the great outdoors. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil moments by the lake to exhilarating adventures on the trails. Whether you're seeking solitude, quality time with loved ones, or a taste of New Zealand's pristine wilderness, Lake Kai Iwi promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. Visit and discover the beauty that awaits in this unspoiled paradise.

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Kaipara Harbour

Kaipara Harbour

Kaipara
Beaches

Kaipara Harbour is a large enclosed harbour estuary complex on the north western side of the North Island of New Zealand. The northern part of the harbour is administered by the Kaipara District and the southern part is administered by the Auckland Council.

By area, the Kaipara Harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. It covers 947 square kilometres (366 sq mi) at high tide, with 409 square kilometres (158 sq mi) exposed as mudflats and sandflats at low tide.

These treacherous sandbanks shift and change position, and are known locally as the graveyard. The graveyard is responsible for more shipwrecks than any other place in New Zealand, and has claimed at least 43 vessels—some say as many as 110. For this reason, a lighthouse was built in 1884 on the northern arm of the entrance (Puoto Peninsula). It was automated in 1947 and closed in the mid 1950s. The structure still exists and was renovated in 1982–84.

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Te Arai

Te Arai

Kaipara
Beaches

Te Arai offers pristine white sandy beaches at the end of picturesque rural roads and a glorious campground within the regional park.

It's an area well known by surfers for consistent and safe conditions and it's an utterly gorgeous spot for a day at the beach.

From SH1 in Wellsford, take Matheson Road at the top of the hill as you leave the shops behind. It's signposted to Whangaripo Valley, Pakiri and Tomarata. Continue on Matheson as it becomes Whangaripo Valley Road, then take Waiteitei Road to your left, signposted to Mangawhai. 

At the end of Waiteitei Road, turn right into Mangawhai Road for 3.6kms then take Te Arai Point Road to your right and travel to the end. Much of Te Arai Point Road is gravel, so drive with care. A brief walk to the top of the point will give you views right along the beach and you can choose from swimming in the surf or at the sheltered old quarry swimming hole. Make sure you explore the beaches on either side of Te Arai Point as well because Forestry and Black Swamp are even more beautiful.

The area is home to several species of bird and plant whose existence hangs in the balance, including the New Zealand Fairy Tern and the Northern New Zealand Dotterel. It's crucial for them that you take only photographs and leave only footprints… do not disturb them and let nothing harm them. Dogs are not allowed at Te Arai.

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Mosquito Beach

Mosquito Beach

Kaipara
Beaches

Mosquito Bay is very much part of the Kaipara system, at the tip of the southern sandbar that encloses and shelters the Kawau Parua Inlet. As it turns out, the sandbar is not a sandbar but a delta, the geological differences being quite important, as the future changes to the area depend on the way in which the formation is taking place. GeoTrips gives a very good explanation. 

The short version is that the lovely sand and interesting sedimentary rocks here have drifted all the way from the ancient Taranaki Volcanoes, creating what is known as a 'flood tide delta'. Over the last million or two years. The flat floor of the harbour here is from older Kaipara Volcanoes. And the happy result is the fishing is reportedly marvellous, there are snapper galore and some fish can be caught by surfcasting. Be aware there have been many shipwrecks on the Kaipara Bar. 

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Mangawhai Heads

Mangawhai Heads

Kaipara
Beaches Attractions

Mangawhai, also known as Mangawhai Heads, is nestled between the Pacific coast and rolling farmland. You’re offered a choice of seaside experiences here – a surf beach on one side and safe harbour beaches on the other.

On the far side of the harbour is a large sand dune area that's administered by the Department of Conservation. The dunes are home to fairy terns, Caspian terns, variable oystercatchers and New Zealand dotterels. Mangawhai Heads and the village of Mangawhai are linked by a picturesque causeway surrounded by native wetlands and bush.

Mangawhai offers a range of activities including water-sports, a world-class 18-hole championship golf coursewineries, Bennetts Chocolate factory, and a fabulous museum that tells the amazing history of the region.

Charter boats are available to take you fishing or diving; you can also surf cast off the beach. Other local activities include donkey rides and mini-golf.

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Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

Kaipara
Walks Attractions

This walk provides breathtaking coastal views that extend from Bream Head in the north down to the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the south. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea are often seen on the horizon. The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes to a lookout point. It then winds past ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the sheer slopes before descending to the stony beach below. From here you can walk back along the beach (8 km), but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property.

Mangawhai is 25 km from Waipu to the north and 26 km from Wellsford to the south. Access to the track is from the Kaipara District Council car park near the Mangawhai Surf Life Saving Club at the end of Wintle Street.

You may see New Zealand pigeon/kererū/kūkupa or kākā making an occasional visit from the offshore islands. Local iwi call the New Zealand pigeon/kererū the kūkupa. Pōhutukawa and nīkau palms feature on this walk. Interesting rock formations and geology can be seen exposed along the rocky coastal section.

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Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Track

Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Track

Kaipara
Lookouts Walks

The track climbs steadily to the top of Tokatoka, a very distinctive landmark in the Kaipara district. Note, there is a particularly steep 20 m section near the top. From the top, the 360-degree views are stunning. You'll get great views towards Dargaville and of the Kaipara. On a clear day, you're able to see Bream Head and the Tangihua range towards the east. This is a very exposed area; with a steep ascent over rocks. Take extreme caution at the top as the drop off is steep and there are no handrails, especially if you suffer from vertigo or are scared of heights. Supervise children at all times. The track becomes very slippery after rain. Take extreme care.

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St Alban's / Whakapirau Church

St Alban's / Whakapirau Church

Kaipara
Attractions

Whakapirau, a charming seaside village on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour, is home to St Alban’s Anglican Church. Well-loved in the district this historical icon was built in the late 1890s by local builder, Frank Somner, for the princely sum of 500 pounds ($1,000).
With Chadwick’s mill just down the road beside the present wharf Mr Somner was able to use top quality kauri timber both inside and out and, although the mill is long gone, burnt down in 1906, the church still stands proudly on top of the hill at the entry to the village.
Built to the classic cruciform design St Alban’s is a graceful example of pioneering architecture and enjoys a Category 2 Heritage NZ classification. Frank Somner was clearly a master of his trade and the quality of his workmanship is still very evident today.
The church opened its doors in 1896 to the 150 hardy locals who had braved the cold and the mud to be St Alban’s first congregation. These were folk who had worked long and hard to fund this project. They had done everything from holding flower shows to selling hot water for pots of tea at the Pahi Regattas to raise the money required and were justifiably proud of the result. The church, with its interior of beautiful golden heart kauri, was resplendent with curtains of red velvet and gold braid. While the altar was graced by gleaming brass candle sticks and vases sent out from England by absent relatives. Over the following decades St Alban’s has been maintained by the local congregation and owes its present well preserved state to their efforts.
Under the administration of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland St. Albans holds a 10am Service on the third Sunday of every month conducted by the newly appointed Priest in charge Reverend Colleen Binns.
A warm invitation is extended to all to share our informal gathering in our historic Church at the northern end of the Kaipara Harbour in the charming harbour side village of Whakapirau.

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Mount Auckland Atuanui Walkway

Mount Auckland Atuanui Walkway

Kaipara
Lookouts Walks
Take a walk to the summit of Mount Auckland (Atuanui) through regenerating native forest. At the summit you’ll have panoramic views of Kaipara Harbour and Hoteo River Estuary. The Atuanui/Mount Auckland Scenic Reserve was transferred to Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara in 2013 as part of the iwi’s Treaty of Waitangi Settlement.

Walk to the summit of Mount Auckland (Atuanui) through regenerating native forest, with spectacular views over the nearby Kaipara Harbour and Hoteo River estuary. 

The walkway follows an airstrip and logging track along the ridge to the Atuanui forest, which has fine stands of regenerating rimu and kauri. It continues up a narrow ridge with side tracks to view mature kauri. 

A lookout at the summit (305 metres) provides panoramic views. From here you can retrace your steps or take the track westward to the Kaipara Coast Highway exit, which is a steeper descent. This end of the track exits through farm land to SH 16.

 

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