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Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand

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Day 3 : Kaitaia to Auckland

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Kaitaia - Dargaville 2.75 hrs 211 132
Dargaville - Auckland 2.25 hrs 185 116
Totals for Day 5 hrs 396 248

Kaitaia - Dargaville

211 km (132 miles)
Approximately 2.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

From Kaitaia you can catch a tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Find time to investigate the Far North Regional Museum and the local nocturnal park.

The backcountry route to Dargaville takes you past the Herekino Forest, where you can stretch your legs on the Kaitaia Walkway. In Kohukohu you'll find some charming historic buildings.

A vehicular ferry will carry you over the harbour to Rawene, a great stop for coffee and crafts. Further on is Opononi, where you can arrange to go sand dune surfing.

Your next adventure is the awesome Waipoua Forest, home of New Zealand's largest kauri trees. The Trounson Kauri Park is another opportunity for tree gazing.

Not far from Dargaville are the Kai Iwi lakes. These beautiful sand dune lakes are popular for camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.

Dargaville - Auckland

185 km (116 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Motorway

Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.

Travel across the river plain to Matakohe's kauri museum, where you'll discover the district's fascinating history. In the village of Maungaturoto you can explore antique and craft shops.

At Brynderwyn you'll turn towards Kaiwaka, a village known for its Dutch cheese. Further south is Wellsford, where you'll take a right towards Helensville. The hilly rural road provides amazing views of the Kaipara Harbour and surrounding farmland.

There are hot springs at Parakai if you have time to spare. At Kumeu you'll turn towards Waitakere, where you'll embark on a beatiful scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges.

Auckland will reveal itself as you drive down from Titirangi village. With two huge harbours, this city is an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and highly acclaimed restaurant zones.

View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.

Directory Information

Kaitaia, Northland:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Northland:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Auckland:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

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Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

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