Sarah’s guidebook to Opononi

Sarah
Sarah’s guidebook to Opononi

Sightseeing

This short walk leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand's largest living kauri tree. Not far into the walk, a sweeping corner of the track suddenly brings you face to face with the ‘Lord of the Forest’. When you catch your first breath-taking view of this magnificent tree, you'll feel compelled to pause for a while. You can almost feel Tāne Mahuta’s strength and ancient presence, and its overwhelming size makes visitors look like dwarfs. There is a wooden fence and a seat to view the tree. To get a broader view of Tāne Mahuta, you can move further along the track, which then leads to another viewing platform. Open times The track is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Accessible for children and strollers. The gate to the track is locked at night.
26 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
ตาเน มาฮุตา
26 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
This short walk leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand's largest living kauri tree. Not far into the walk, a sweeping corner of the track suddenly brings you face to face with the ‘Lord of the Forest’. When you catch your first breath-taking view of this magnificent tree, you'll feel compelled to pause for a while. You can almost feel Tāne Mahuta’s strength and ancient presence, and its overwhelming size makes visitors look like dwarfs. There is a wooden fence and a seat to view the tree. To get a broader view of Tāne Mahuta, you can move further along the track, which then leads to another viewing platform. Open times The track is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Accessible for children and strollers. The gate to the track is locked at night.
Explore an area rich in Maori history with spectacular views of the coastline and Hokianga harbour. At Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve walk where Kupe first walked when he first landed on Aotearoa. Walks range from super easy 5 -15 minutes to the still quite easy but 4 hours long. The Waimamaku Coastal Track follows a rugged and dynamic coastline from Arai Te Uru Recreation Reserve south to the Waimamaku River. Historically significant, this route used to be the main route for traffic before roads were built inland for travellers heading up the coast from further south.
6 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Arai te Uru Nature Reserve
73 Signal Station Rd
6 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Explore an area rich in Maori history with spectacular views of the coastline and Hokianga harbour. At Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve walk where Kupe first walked when he first landed on Aotearoa. Walks range from super easy 5 -15 minutes to the still quite easy but 4 hours long. The Waimamaku Coastal Track follows a rugged and dynamic coastline from Arai Te Uru Recreation Reserve south to the Waimamaku River. Historically significant, this route used to be the main route for traffic before roads were built inland for travellers heading up the coast from further south.
Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, journeying into Te Ao Māori, the Māori world. Manea – Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings. The descendants of Kupe welcome you, as do the spirits of our ancestors. Enter Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, our sacred cradle of tribal histories. Walk with us in the footprints of our ancestor – Kupe the intrepid, Kupe the voyager, Kupe the discoverer.
8 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Manea, Footprints Of Kupe
41 State Highway 12
8 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, journeying into Te Ao Māori, the Māori world. Manea – Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings. The descendants of Kupe welcome you, as do the spirits of our ancestors. Enter Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, our sacred cradle of tribal histories. Walk with us in the footprints of our ancestor – Kupe the intrepid, Kupe the voyager, Kupe the discoverer.
Take a walk on the beach between Koutu and Kauwhare points on the south shore of the Hokianga Harbour where you will find the Koutu Boulders, one of the Hokianga’s better kept secrets. The boulders are excellent examples of concretions : hardened nodules that form within sedimentary rocks. The word concretion comes from Latin and means “grown together”. They are composed of the same material as the surrounding rock and they form when a cementing mineral binds grains of sediment into a cohesive mass. It has been estimated that the largest of the boulders may have taken 5 million years to grow.
7 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Koutu Boulders
Koutu Loop Road
7 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Take a walk on the beach between Koutu and Kauwhare points on the south shore of the Hokianga Harbour where you will find the Koutu Boulders, one of the Hokianga’s better kept secrets. The boulders are excellent examples of concretions : hardened nodules that form within sedimentary rocks. The word concretion comes from Latin and means “grown together”. They are composed of the same material as the surrounding rock and they form when a cementing mineral binds grains of sediment into a cohesive mass. It has been estimated that the largest of the boulders may have taken 5 million years to grow.
Awesome Adventures Hokianga Based in Opononi, AAH offers the following: Jetski Options Guided cultural and Historical jetski safaris suited to everyone of all ages. Weather dependent, we operate all year round Dry hire Fishing, we supply tackle Kayaks and paddleboards Group team building beach activities Contact Len and Antoinette 09 4058224 www.aah.nz
Awesome Adventures Hokianga
5 Fairlie Cres
Awesome Adventures Hokianga Based in Opononi, AAH offers the following: Jetski Options Guided cultural and Historical jetski safaris suited to everyone of all ages. Weather dependent, we operate all year round Dry hire Fishing, we supply tackle Kayaks and paddleboards Group team building beach activities Contact Len and Antoinette 09 4058224 www.aah.nz
Footprints Waipoua Experience a mystical journey through the sacred forests of New Zealand’s Maori people during this 4-hour evening forest walk in Waipoua with an indigenous guide. Walk beneath the giant Kauri trees of this forest sanctuary, including the majestic ‘Te Matua Ngahere’ tree, absorbing the site’s spiritual energy as you learn about the site’s significance to Maori beliefs. Our local guides will take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, while providing a mythological interpretation of life in the forest. Meet our ancestors; the mighty Tane Matua Ngahere and Tane Mahuta, huge Kauri trees. 09 405 8207 info@footprintswaipoua.co.nz www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz
Footprints - Waipoua
41 Hokianga Harbour Drive
Footprints Waipoua Experience a mystical journey through the sacred forests of New Zealand’s Maori people during this 4-hour evening forest walk in Waipoua with an indigenous guide. Walk beneath the giant Kauri trees of this forest sanctuary, including the majestic ‘Te Matua Ngahere’ tree, absorbing the site’s spiritual energy as you learn about the site’s significance to Maori beliefs. Our local guides will take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, while providing a mythological interpretation of life in the forest. Meet our ancestors; the mighty Tane Matua Ngahere and Tane Mahuta, huge Kauri trees. 09 405 8207 info@footprintswaipoua.co.nz www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz
Step back in time to 1839, the year in which this beautiful Wesleyan mission house was completed. Enjoy the tranquility of this historic treasure – site of the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi – set against the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Motukiore Road, Horeke (09) 401 9640 Opening hours: 1 Nov - 30 Apr: Sat and Sun; 12 - 4pm; Summer and Easter school holidays: Thurs-Mon; 12 - 4pm; 1 May - 31 Oct: Sun; 12 - 4pm, Closed Christmas Day.
Mangungu Mission House
107 Motukiore Rd
Step back in time to 1839, the year in which this beautiful Wesleyan mission house was completed. Enjoy the tranquility of this historic treasure – site of the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi – set against the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Motukiore Road, Horeke (09) 401 9640 Opening hours: 1 Nov - 30 Apr: Sat and Sun; 12 - 4pm; Summer and Easter school holidays: Thurs-Mon; 12 - 4pm; 1 May - 31 Oct: Sun; 12 - 4pm, Closed Christmas Day.
Sail the Kohu Ra Tuarua from picturesque Rawene across the scenic Hokianga Harbour. Travel on by road through Kohukohu and Broadwood to Kaitaia, Ninety Mile Beach and fabulous Cape Reinga.
Hokianga Vehicle Ferry
Sail the Kohu Ra Tuarua from picturesque Rawene across the scenic Hokianga Harbour. Travel on by road through Kohukohu and Broadwood to Kaitaia, Ninety Mile Beach and fabulous Cape Reinga.

City/town information

Rawene is also a place to enjoy excellent espresso, gourmet pizza and fascinating arts & crafts shops. Take a stroll on the mangrove walkway, which offers an interesting view of a wetland habitat. Rawene is the third oldest European town in New Zealand with some excellent cafes, galleries like the Boatshed Gallery, and the historic Clendon House – a heritage house that witnessed the Treaty of Waitangi. A ferry service runs between Rawene and Kohukohu - which also has a buzzing arts scene - making it possible to explore the more isolated northern side of the Hokianga Harbour.
8 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Rawene
8 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Rawene is also a place to enjoy excellent espresso, gourmet pizza and fascinating arts & crafts shops. Take a stroll on the mangrove walkway, which offers an interesting view of a wetland habitat. Rawene is the third oldest European town in New Zealand with some excellent cafes, galleries like the Boatshed Gallery, and the historic Clendon House – a heritage house that witnessed the Treaty of Waitangi. A ferry service runs between Rawene and Kohukohu - which also has a buzzing arts scene - making it possible to explore the more isolated northern side of the Hokianga Harbour.

Food scene

Boatshed Cafe, a family owned eatery, is tucked away on the Rawene waterfront overlooking the Hokianga Harbour. Don’t miss this gem after hopping off of the ferry- you’ll find homemade food, delicious coffee, and you can even enjoy beer or wine while soaking up the views. Don’t forget to check out the craft shop where handmade gifts, local honey, housemade chutneys, and local art are sold. Clendon Esplanade, Rawene Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch 09 405 7728
13 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Boatshed Cafe
8 Clendon Esplanade
13 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Boatshed Cafe, a family owned eatery, is tucked away on the Rawene waterfront overlooking the Hokianga Harbour. Don’t miss this gem after hopping off of the ferry- you’ll find homemade food, delicious coffee, and you can even enjoy beer or wine while soaking up the views. Don’t forget to check out the craft shop where handmade gifts, local honey, housemade chutneys, and local art are sold. Clendon Esplanade, Rawene Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch 09 405 7728
A New Era Cafe, Rawene Open 7 days a week Late Night Friday Small cafe situated inside a stunning art gallery, offering a variety of homemade baking and meals 0273569723
A New Era Cafe
1 Parnell Street
A New Era Cafe, Rawene Open 7 days a week Late Night Friday Small cafe situated inside a stunning art gallery, offering a variety of homemade baking and meals 0273569723
Opononi Beach Takeaways You can beat this local take-away shop with outdoor seating. A popular spot with locals and visitors. Fish & chips, ice cream, burgers, chicken, milkshakes, drinks, coffee, tea SH 12 Opononi. Almost on the beach 09 405 8065
6 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Opononi Beach Takeaways
23 State Hwy 12
6 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Opononi Beach Takeaways You can beat this local take-away shop with outdoor seating. A popular spot with locals and visitors. Fish & chips, ice cream, burgers, chicken, milkshakes, drinks, coffee, tea SH 12 Opononi. Almost on the beach 09 405 8065
Opononi Hotel SH 12 Opononi A great place to mix with the locals! Dining room, bars, outside decks looking over harbour. The hotel hosts regular events and gigs Bar/Bar Snacks Mini Casino Pool Tables TAB - recreation Boar & Marlin Restaurant Big screen TV Tel: 09 405 8858
10 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Opononi Hotel Limited
19 State Hwy 12
10 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Opononi Hotel SH 12 Opononi A great place to mix with the locals! Dining room, bars, outside decks looking over harbour. The hotel hosts regular events and gigs Bar/Bar Snacks Mini Casino Pool Tables TAB - recreation Boar & Marlin Restaurant Big screen TV Tel: 09 405 8858

Art Scene

Outpost Hokianga art/design studio showcasing fashion, art, plants and magical potions in the constant pursuit of creating the perfect still life. Open when not closed or by appointment. The Wedge Building 2 Parnell Street, Rawene Call Lise 021 0713054 or 09 4055707 or email lise@outposthokianga.com
OH!Studio
2B Parnell Street
Outpost Hokianga art/design studio showcasing fashion, art, plants and magical potions in the constant pursuit of creating the perfect still life. Open when not closed or by appointment. The Wedge Building 2 Parnell Street, Rawene Call Lise 021 0713054 or 09 4055707 or email lise@outposthokianga.com
Village Arts Gallery, Kohukohu Showcasing Hokianga's diverse and contemporary arts community. Regular exhibitions. 09 4055827 gallery@villagearts.co.nz
Village Arts
1376 Kohukohu Rd
Village Arts Gallery, Kohukohu Showcasing Hokianga's diverse and contemporary arts community. Regular exhibitions. 09 4055827 gallery@villagearts.co.nz
Art Of This World, Kohukohu Sited in the recently refurbished historic BNZ building on the water’s edge at the town’s entrance. Art of this World offers an interesting and well curated selection of art, art objects and gifts that are all made in New Zealand. 1364 Kohukohu Rd 09 446 0962
Art of this World
1364 Kohukohu Rd
Art Of This World, Kohukohu Sited in the recently refurbished historic BNZ building on the water’s edge at the town’s entrance. Art of this World offers an interesting and well curated selection of art, art objects and gifts that are all made in New Zealand. 1364 Kohukohu Rd 09 446 0962

Visitor Information Centres

The Hokianga i-SITE at Opononi is a one stop shop for enquiries and bookings for accommodation, sightseeing and activities and travel. The friendly information centre staff can also make bookings for the rest of your journey throughout New Zealand and are open 7 days a week every day of the year except Christmas day.
Hokianga i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
The Hokianga i-SITE at Opononi is a one stop shop for enquiries and bookings for accommodation, sightseeing and activities and travel. The friendly information centre staff can also make bookings for the rest of your journey throughout New Zealand and are open 7 days a week every day of the year except Christmas day.

Neighbourhoods

n the days of Kauri milling, Kohukohu was the largest town on the Hokianga Harbour. There’s still plenty of history to see around the streets – heritage villas, the Masonic Lodge, the Anglican Church, a police station and an old school. The water’s edge café comes highly recommended, especially at full tide. Home to a number of artists, visit the Geddes Gallery or the Village Arts Gallery to take a look at the local talent. For entertainment, hire a kayak or try your luck fishing off the wharf. Kohukohu is four kilometres from the Hokianga ferry landing – a vehicular ferry service connects the northern side of the harbour to Rawene on the southern side.
Kohukohu
n the days of Kauri milling, Kohukohu was the largest town on the Hokianga Harbour. There’s still plenty of history to see around the streets – heritage villas, the Masonic Lodge, the Anglican Church, a police station and an old school. The water’s edge café comes highly recommended, especially at full tide. Home to a number of artists, visit the Geddes Gallery or the Village Arts Gallery to take a look at the local talent. For entertainment, hire a kayak or try your luck fishing off the wharf. Kohukohu is four kilometres from the Hokianga ferry landing – a vehicular ferry service connects the northern side of the harbour to Rawene on the southern side.