Hokianga

Travel Guide

Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Omapere which includes a bay or harbour
Kai Iwi Lakes featuring 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.

Opononi Lighthouse Motel
Opononi Lighthouse Motel
2.5 out of 5
45 STATE HIGHWAY 12, Opononi
The price is €133 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€133
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Book a stay at this beach motel in Opononi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (343 reviews)
Worth a visit
"Excellent service, and couldn’t be more helpful. Use of the laundry was very welcome. Room was excellent for space, but a little dated. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable and the room was hot (even though it had a dehumidifier and fan)."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Opononi Lighthouse Motel
The Sands Hotel
The Sands Hotel
3 out of 5
334 State Highway 12, Omapere
The price is €88 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€88
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Omapere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (71 reviews)
"Beautiful location, very quiet and peaceful area, lovely food & very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Sands Hotel
Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
Omapere
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Pakia Hill Lookout are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Off the beaten track gem!
"Northland, Hakianga, Omapere and this tranquil little hideaway from all the madness out there was a real tonic and highlight of the month we spent exploring En-Zee (south and north islands). Not for city slickers or those who want to spend their time in front of a TV screen! If natural surroundings ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
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.
Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
Omapere
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Pakia Hill Lookout are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Off the beaten track gem!
"Northland, Hakianga, Omapere and this tranquil little hideaway from all the madness out there was a real tonic and highlight of the month we spent exploring En-Zee (south and north islands). Not for city slickers or those who want to spend their time in front of a TV screen! If natural surroundings ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Secluded Haven with Stunning Hokianga Harbour Views
The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families
The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families
Omapere
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Opononi Beach are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Highly Recommend
"Beautiful home real homely bach vibe will definitely book again. Love the outdoor showers and the nostalgic plates and cutlery that give you nanas house vibe. Safe and clean x Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us all x"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families
Northland/Hokianga/Opononi
Stunning beach house for sunset
Orca
Northland/Hokianga/Opononi Stunning beach house for sunset Orca
Omapere
Stay at this chalet in Omapere. Popular attractions Opononi Beach and Omapere Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
Filling My Cup
"The property is in an awesome spot & it had all the amenities I would recommend to others. Also very affordable."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Northland/Hokianga/Opononi Stunning beach house for sunset Orca
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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