Hokianga

Travel Guide

Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Omapere which includes a bay or harbor
Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a sandy beach
Kai Iwi Lakes showing a garden and a bay or harbor
Kai Iwi Lakes which includes a bay or harbor

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.

The Sands Hotel

The Sands Hotel

3 out of 5
334 State Highway 12, Omapere
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥13,872 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥13,872
¥16,078 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
"Beautiful property with newly renovated rooms. We had dinner in the restaurant onsite and it was excellent, particularly the seafood chowder. Staff were very attentive and service was excellent."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025

The Sands Hotel
Opononi Lighthouse Motel

Opononi Lighthouse Motel

2.5 out of 5
45 State Highway 12, Opononi
The price is ¥14,236 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥14,236
¥16,371 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (361 reviews)
"Fortunate enough to get a newly renovated Upgraded Room, the smell of new paint along with new fit out"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

Opononi Lighthouse Motel
The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families

The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families

Ōmāpere
The price is ¥18,637 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
¥18,637
¥30,147 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Opononi Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Lovely spot but note outside shower
"The bach is in a great spot across road and through some bush to a great beach, but limited harbour views due to trees across the road. The bach is comfy and kitchen well appointed. Nice to have a table big enough for pur group. There is a handheld shower over a bath inside with main showers in a ..."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families
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.
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. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Opononi Beach and Omapere Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
"Stunning little bach right opposite the habour, loved the amazing view. The shower at this place is fantastic, glad the tv worked and everything we needed was there. Thanks for the linen and towel use. The deck was lovely to sit out on. Could use a strongerightbulb on the kids room, but the extra ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Northland/Hokianga/Opononi Stunning beach house for sunset Orca
Harbour views OMAPERE MAGIC   Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom

Harbour views OMAPERE MAGIC Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom

Omapere
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy a sauna, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Pakia Hill Lookout are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (55 reviews)
"Our stay was amazing first time using book a bach it was a great setting. The house was very comfortable with plenty of space would recommend to anyone, a real tranquil moment with the sound of the waves.Sorry we werent able to get any photos.We tried to book over the Christmas period Already booked.Thank ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Harbour views OMAPERE MAGIC Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom
The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families

The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families

Ōmāpere
Stay at this vacation home in Omapere. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Omapere Beach and Opononi Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Lovely spot but note outside shower
"The bach is in a great spot across road and through some bush to a great beach, but limited harbour views due to trees across the road. The bach is comfy and kitchen well appointed. Nice to have a table big enough for pur group. There is a handheld shower over a bath inside with main showers in a ..."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

The Green Bach opposite beach- quirky and great for groups and families
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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