EXPLORING THE FAR NORTH

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The Far North of New Zealand is just stunning! Country towns, great beaches and scenery, and excellent fishing on both coasts. With it's sub-tropical climate, it's our favourite destination during spring and autumn, and even over winter. We usually drive up State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge to Kaitaia and Cape Reinga, and then come back down the East Coast road to the Karikari Peninsula and Doubtless Bay. It's a great round trip which you can do both ways.

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The new Te Ahu Community Centre in Kaitaia has a large carpark behind the complex which also includes a dump station. Low cost overnight parking is available for self-contained motor caravanners. There is a library and museum inside which covers our early pioneer history.

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Like many of the other Returned Serviceman Associations around New Zealand, the Kaitaia RSA provides roast dinner meals, and also allows overnight parking for certified self-contained motor caravanners, They have a large concrete carpark at the back, and also fresh water. Check in at the bar if you want to stay overnight..

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The Warehouse in Kaitaia is located behind the main road, and shares a large carpark with the other local shops. Overnight parking is allowed for self-contained vans, and there are public toilets also available. This is a good option is you need to catch up with shopping, or eat out at one of the local restaurants.

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Just a short drive from Kaitaia to the ninety mile beach, Ahipara is a seaside community with just a few shops, quality accommodation, and a beachfront golf course. Ahipara is famous for it's annual fishing competition which attracts enthusiast from around the country.. Ahipara Holiday Park.is the best place to stay for motor caravanners.

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Waipapakauri Hotel is on the main road just north of Awanui. There is a large grass parking area behind the hotel that is available for motor caravanners to park overnight. Check at the bar when you arrive, or phone in ahead of time.

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The Ninety Mile Beach Holiday Park is under new management, and is getting a full makeover. Positioned within a short walk from the beach, it's a great location for fishing, and there is plenty of room to come with your friends.

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The Kauri Gumdiggers Park is a real Kauri Gum Diggers camp which was active during our early pioneer history when the amber gold was the main industry in Northland. The campsite has been restored so that you can see how the pioneer gumdiggers lived and worked.. It is literally like stepping back in time. There are also some amazing examples of polished kauri gum. And, if you ask at reception, you can park overnight.

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Kaimaumau Recreation Reserve is near the mouth of the Mangaunu Harbour. Right on the water's edge if has a great view across the harbour. Unfortunately, it is no longer available for overnight parking, but is still a greal location to spend a few hours, have a picnic, or go fishing.

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The Wagner Holiday Park is one of the Houhora institutions. It offers a real NZ family beachside camping experience, whether for fishing, letting the kids run around, or just chilling out.

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Houhora wharf is famous for catching large kingfish, john dory and trevally directly from the wharf. And if all else fails, there is an excellent fish n chips shop across the road. You can't park overnight, but it's just a short walk to the Pukenui Holiday Park.

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Pukenui Holiday Park is set back from the main road and is just a short walk from the Pukenui shopping centre and wharf. This is a prime location if you want to try you luck fishing from the wharf, or if you just want a really good meal in the local restaurant. Their fish n chips are pretty good as well.

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The Houhora Tavern is New Zealand's northern-most pub, offering good pub meals, and the usual drinks, TV, and pool tables. It also provides low cost overnight parking for motor caravanners, including powered sites, and hot showers.

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Henderson Bay, just north of Houhora, is a beautiful golden sand beach that has been popular with the locals since the time of the early gum diggers. You can't stay overnight, but there is low cost overnight parking a short walk from the beach.

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The Maunsell property near Henderson Bay provides comfortable low cost overnight parking, with hot showers and toilet available in a sheltered and peaceful location. It's a 10 minute walk from the beach.

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Rarawa Beach, or Paxton Point, campsite is located along the banks of a river, and a short walk from a stunning white sand beach. A great location for a picnic, going for a walk, or just chilling out.

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Spirits Bay (Kapowairua) is probably the most well known of the Far North bays, and is dramatically beautiful. The DOC campsite is a 5 minute walk from the beach. You need to drive along 16 kms of gravel road to get there, but this stunning location really is worth it.

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Tapotupotu Bay is a stunningly beautiful and sheltered location. The DOC campsite is right on the beach, and is well maintained and caters for motor caravans of all sizes.

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Cape Reinga is one of New Zealand's iconic attractions, and coach loads of visitors arrive every day to walk down to the lighthouse. They peer at the small pohutukawa tree that is said to provide the steps to the sea for departing souls to leave New Zealand and return to their ancestral home in Hawaiki. And they watch the the turbulent intersection of the Pacific ocean and the Tasman sea at the northenmost tip of our country.

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Tokerau Beach Motor Camp is located on a beachfront along Northland's Karikari Peninsula. It's an older style campsite in a stunning environment. This is a great location for a family holiday, going fishing, or going for walks along the beach.

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The Lady Di Olive Grove is a park-over property where self-contained motor caravanners can overnight nestled between olive trees. Their extra virgin olive oil is very good and can be bought on site.

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The Whatuwhiwhi Top 10 Holiday Park is in a prime location on Northland's Karikari Peninsula, opposite a beautiful golden sand beach.

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The DOC reserve at Matai Bay is stunning! There are two levels of parking, and plenty of room. You can go fishing, gather shellfish on the beach, go for walks, or just chill out and read a book. We love it up here - especially outside of the busy summer holiday season.

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Cable Bay Reserve is a small reserve with a stunning beach of golden sand, rocky outcrops and crystal clear water. On a clear sunny day this is one of the prettiest beaches in New Zealand!

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Taumarumaru Recreation Reserve is an historic Maori Pa Site on the beachfront at Coopers Beach. It's a nice location for going for a walk or stopping for a break. You are just across the road from the Coopers Beach Bowling Club, where self-contained motor caravanners can park overnight.

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Coopers Beach Bowling Club provides overnight parking for self-contained motor caravanners, including access to the bar and snooker tables.

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Hihi Beach Holiday Camp is across the road from a beautiful beach. It's an older style campsite, but in a nice location on the far east of Doubtless Bay.