Hokianga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Omapere which includes a bay or harbour
Kai Iwi Lakes which includes a sandy beach
Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a park and a bay or harbour
Kai Iwi Lakes which includes a bay or harbour
This unspoiled treasure trove of the Far North is lined with massive sand dunes, authentic Māori fishing villages, colonial heritage sites and giant boulders.

Hokianga Harbour is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Māori call the Northland region Te Hiku-o-te-Ika (The Tail of the Fish). Despite being one of New Zealand’s first European trading hubs in the 1800s, it’s at this tail end that traditional Māori culture is most alive today.

Explore predominantly Māori villages, go fishing and walk along stunning coastal and forest tracks as you follow the course of the harbor. On the south shore, Opononi and Omapere are connected like Siamese twins, each with their own charms. Stroll the beach, cast a line from a jetty or gaze out over the mighty sand dunes from Arai Te Uru Reserve.

To reach the dunes at Rangi Point, board the Hokianga Express from Opononi. Zoom down the dunes on a boogie board and admire the wind-swept formations that are sacred to Māori.

To see more of North Hokianga you’ll need a car, so first head back to Opononi and drive on to Pakanae to turn off to Rawene. Before boarding the vehicle ferry, browse the arts and crafts galleries and little wooden café on stilts in the bay.

Once across, head to the town of Motuti and visit its picturesque St Mary’s Church. In the Motuti Marae, learn traditional Māori weaving, poi-making or bone and wood carving. Waipuna Marae, in nearby Panguru, depicts the history of the seafaring ancestor Kūpe. Arrange to stay the night and share a meal with your hosts to see stories of bygone days and see wood carving demonstrations.

Drive northeast to reach the Top of Hokianga Harbour. Kohukohu was the main hub for New Zealand’s early timber industry because it sits at the confluence of the harbor with the Mangamuka and Waihou rivers. Stroll through its Historic Precinct to catch a glimpse of life as it would have been in the 1830s and browse modern art galleries.

From Mangamuka Bridge, take the State Highway across the Waihou River and turn off to Horeke, where the country’s first commercial shipyard operated. The town also boasts the oldest headstones, first pub and first post office.

Its strong Māori character, rich British heritage and pristine nature make Hokianga Harbour one of the North Island’s most authentic destinations, yet it’s only a half-day drive from ultra-modernAucklandOpens in a new window.

The Sands Hotel

The Sands Hotel

3 out of 5
334 State Highway 12, Omapere
The price is ₹6,448 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹6,448
₹7,572 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Omapere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
"Excellent stay"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

The Sands Hotel
Opononi Lighthouse Motel

Opononi Lighthouse Motel

2.5 out of 5
45 State Highway 12, Opononi
Stay at this beach motel in Opononi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (355 reviews)
"Great spot and lovely facilities"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Opononi Lighthouse Motel
Kauri Park Motel

Kauri Park Motel

4 out of 5
512 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
The price is ₹7,814 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹7,814
₹9,068 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (445 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Kauri Park Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kerikeri Park Lodge

Kerikeri Park Lodge

3.5 out of 5
494b Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (289 reviews)
"Perfect weekend getaway accommodation"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Kerikeri Park Lodge
Doubtless Bay Villas

Doubtless Bay Villas

4.5 out of 5
20 Dudley Cresent, Cable Bay
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cable Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room massages. Popular attractions Cable Bay Beach and Taumarumaru ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
"This was not our first stay and won’t be our last. Always an excellent experience."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Doubtless Bay Villas
90 Mile Paradise

90 Mile Paradise

3 out of 5
10 Tasman Heights, Kaitaia, Northland Region
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Kaitaia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Te Angaanga Beach and Korora Park are located ...
90 Mile Paradise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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