Kaipara District

Kaipara – Two Oceans Two Harbours. Being washed by the untamed Tasman Sea on the west and the magnificent Pacific Ocean on the east, Kaipara District has it all for a perfect adventure.

Kaipara is Northland`s least populated district. It is located among the beautiful hills around the northern shores of the Kaipara Harbour, a large natural harbour open to the Tasman Sea.

Also Kaipara Harbour is known for being one of the biggest in the world. It covers around 947 square kilometers at high tide.

The Harbour was named by one of the Māori chiefs who visited his relatives in the area. He was so impressed by the cooked root of the fern that he named this are Kai-para, where “Kai” means food in in the Māori language. Due to the wilderness of the waters and nasty conditions, Kaipara Harbour is rarely used for shipping these days. Some of the shipwrecks can be seen at certain tides.

Quick Links

About & Location

Magical Mangawhai

Must-See

Art, Craft & Heritage

Local Markets

Useful Links

 

Kaipara Harbour
Kaipara Harbour

About Kaipara District

There are no major cities or urban centres in the district. The biggest town is Dargaville which is located on the bank of Northern Wairoa River. It is a primary gateway to the Waipoua Forest – home of Tane Mahuta, the biggest Kauri tree in the world. 

The district is having an oceanic climate, with 30 C in summer and plenty of rain throughout the year.

Stats provided by climate-data.org

The second biggest township is Magical Mangawhai.

With its absolutely gorgeous surf beach, it is one of our personal must-see places in New Zealand. The gorgeous view on the islands, epic colour of waters and white sand make this place Heaven on Earth. The nearest city is Whangarei, 45 kilometers northeast of Dargaville.

Today Mangawhai is a luxurious place and a popular seaside holiday destination. It is home to a diverse local artistic community, avocado and olive growers, chocolate craftsmen, wine makers and more. Many locals choose to have a batch in this area or to come to visit it for their holidays. It is also a very popular wedding destination.

Panoramic view from Mangawhai Heads Coastal Track

Must-see and must-do in Kaipara District – Outdoors and local events

  • Tāne Mahuta Walk – Easy 5 minutes access to the biggest Kauri Tree in New Zealand. Embark on a magical journey through the ancient Waipoua Forest. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you walk amidst towering giants and listen to the symphony of birdsong.
  • Maunganui Bluff Track – 1 hr 30 min to Maunganui Bluff | 5 hr to Waikara Beach. Enjoy one of the best views in Kaipara District
  • Kai Iwi Lakes Coastal Track – Discover the jewel of the Kaipara District, the picturesque Kai Iwi Lakes with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches, offer a paradise for swimming, kayaking, boating, and picnicking. Unwind and soak up the sun in this idyllic natural setting. A beautiful walk across the farmland leading to the longest drivable beach in New Zealand – Ripiro Beach (yes, it is longer than Ninety Mile Beach!
  • Take a Harbour Cruise: Embark on a scenic harbor cruise and witness the beauty of the Kaipara Harbour unfold before your eyes. Marvel at its vastness, spot local wildlife, and learn about the region’s rich history and Maori heritage.
  • Attend the Dargaville Museum: Immerse yourself in the local history at the Dargaville Museum. From exhibits on kauri logging and maritime heritage to displays on Maori culture, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the district’s past.
  • Discover Trounson Kauri Park: Take a walk through Trounson Kauri Park and experience the enchantment of an ancient forest. Admire magnificent kauri trees, listen to the sounds of native birds, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive kiwi bird in its natural habitat.
  • Enjoy Fishing and Water Activities: With the Kaipara Harbour and the West Coast beaches at your doorstep, indulge in world-class fishing, boating, and water sports. Cast your line, reel in a big catch, or simply bask in the coastal beauty while enjoying endless beach and water activities.
  • Attend Local Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the bustling markets in towns like Dargaville and Mangawhai. Sample delicious local produce, browse through arts and crafts, and engage with the friendly locals.
  • Hike the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on the stunning Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. This coastal track offers breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged cliffs, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
  • Experience Horse Trekking: Saddle up and explore the picturesque countryside of the Kaipara District on horseback. Discover hidden trails, lush farmland, and beautiful vistas as you ride through the region’s scenic landscapes.
  • Attend Local Events and Festivals: Immerse yourself in the local community spirit by attending events and festivals such as the Dargaville Field Days, Mangawhai Walking Weekend, or the Maungaturoto Country Club Day. Enjoy live music, food stalls, and a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the district’s unique charm.
kaipara lighthouse
Kaipara Harbour
Magical Mangawhai Beach Entrance

Art, Craft & Heritage

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF NORTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND, WITH OUR STUNNING CANVAS ART COLLECTION.

Let the vibrant colors and mesmerizing scenes transport you to this paradise, reminding of unforgettable adventures, endless beach escapades, and the pure joy of New Zealand flora and fauna!

Explore All Art Pieces

LOCAL MARKETS

These markets provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, support local businesses, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while exploring the Kaipara District. Please note that it’s always a good idea to double-check the market details and schedules before planning your visit, as they can be weather or holiday dependant.

Dargaville Riverside Market:
– Hours: Thursdays 12 – 4 PM.
– Address: Cnr Totara and Kapia Streets, Dargaville, 0310, New Zealand
– Highlights: This bustling market offers a wide range of fresh local produce, artisanal food products, crafts, and plants. Enjoy live music, delicious food stalls, and a friendly community atmosphere while browsing through the diverse offerings.

Mangawhai Tavern Market
– Hours: Every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
– Address: Mangawhai Tavern, 2 Moir Street, Mangawhai.
– Highlights: Located in the heart of Mangawhai, this vibrant market features local artisans, crafts, fresh produce, plants, and food vendors. Enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere, grab a bite to eat, and explore the unique offerings while listening to live music.

Find more info about Kaipara Community Markets and other markets in Mangawhai

 

Kaitaia Farmers Market - kids exploring 2

Paparoa Farmers Market:
– Hours: Every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
– Address: Paparoa Village Green, Main Road, Paparoa.
– Highlights: This charming community market brings together local growers, farmers, and artisans to offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and more. Enjoy the relaxed rural setting and support the local community while shopping for quality goods.

Maungaturoto Second-Hand Market:
– Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM to 3 PM.
– Address: Maungaturoto Centennial Hall, Bickerstaffe Road, Maungaturoto.
– Highlights: This lively market showcases a variety of stalls featuring local produce, crafts, plants, handmade products, and tasty treats. Enjoy the community spirit, live entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere in this small town setting.