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Hokianga Harbour
By Bachchat staff
The Hokianga Bar. Photo: PhilipC
According to the Maori tribes of Northland, the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe first landed his waka in New Zealand on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour. When Kupe left to return to Hawaiki he is said to set off from here, leading to its full name: Te Hokianga-Nui-O-Kupe, the great returning place of Kupe.
The stunning views over the harbour have changed little since early days. No gaudy houses line the shores. Waka still traverse the waters for Waitangi Day celebrations and waka ama tournaments. There are also the boats of game fishing enthusiasts, historical harbour cruises and a water taxi, ferrying the adventurous over for a thrilling sand toboggan ride down the huge 180m golden sand dunes. Life takes on a more laid back pace in the Hokianga – helped by the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Near the southern head of the harbour, the seaside village of Opononi was made famous in the 1950s by Opo the dolphin, who played and swam with children here. Opononi and Omapere are a great base to discover the Waipoua Forest, New Zealand’s largest kauri rainforest. There are beautiful walks into the forest to marvel at ancient kauri such as Tane Mahuta, 1400 years old, and Te Matua Ngahere, 2000 years old. These giant trees are survivors of the kauri timber boom, that along with gum digging and the flax industry, brought trade to the Hokianga in the early nineteenth century. Early missionary activity was also important to the culture and history of the area.
Driving north, picturesque Rawene is the first stop on the unsuspecting visitor’s journey into Hokianga’s buzzing art scene. Arts and crafts are sold at the Boatshed Cafe and Gallery, one of several buildings set on wooden piles over the water. Wander round this peaceful village and discover it’s history on the heritage trail. Visit Clendon House, built in the 1860s, or stroll the boardwalk through the mangroves. The local 1960s Post Office stands as a fine example of retro historic New Zealand public architecture. Visitors can take the 15 minute car-ferry ride across to Kohukohu on the northern shore.
Kohukohu was once the largest timber mill in the southern hemisphere. Now it’s a tranquil and photogenic spot, with a heritage trail round its colonial wooden buildings. The Village Arts Gallery on Kohukohu’s main road shows work from local artists, and is part of Te Ara Manawa: The Heart Trail and Northland Art Trail.
Horeke township sits near the top of the harbour. It was the site of NZ’s first, though short-lived, commercial shipyard, from 1826. All those boat builders must have been thirsty - Horeke Tavern on the waterfront has been serving beer since 1826. There are more pretty buildings over water here - houses were once built like this because of the price of land. Horeke will soon have more thirsty visitors: the Pou Herenga Tai/Twin Coast Cycle Trail which will connect the Hokianga and the Bay of Islands starts here.
Where to stay
What to do
- Marvel at Tane Mahuta, a 1400-year-old kauri tree, in the Waipoua Forest
- Admire the sea views from the lookout at Omapere
- Go tobogganing down the sand dunes
- Take the ferry from Rawene to Kohukohu
- Buy some local art at one of the galleries in Kohukohu
More info
Getting there
- From Whangarei by road: 87km
- From Auckland by road: 194km
