Peace and Tranquillity in Hokianga
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)
Hokianga Harbour is a long estuarine drowned valley located on the western coast of the Northland region of New Zealand. Located in the Far North district of Northland, Hokianga is about 85 kilometres northwest of Whangarei City.
The headwaters of the Hokianga Harbour are framed by spectacular, giant (300 metre) sand dunes.
Hokianga Harbour is an amazing place to swim, fish, explore or go sand dune surfing.
Further up the Hokianga Harbour is Rawene, New Zealand's third oldest European settlement and the home of historic Clendon house. The recently completed mangrove walk makes a great stroll.
Many small picturesque villages dot the Hokianga, including the old logging town of Kohukohu, and the twin settlements of Omapere and Opononi (made famous in 1955 - 1956 by Opo the dolphin).
Don't miss a visit to the Waipoua Forest. See amazing stands of enormous kauri trees, including 2,000-year-old Tane Mahuta and Te Matua, the tree with the broadest trunk (59 feet).
Most Northland Māori can track their ancestry back to the Hokianga Harbour. See evidence of New Zealand's history and culture all around the harbour.
