Sights &
Attractions
The Far North is a vibrant, yet generally undiscovered area,
offering, among other things, a spectacular array of nearly
deserted beaches for all to enjoy. In some areas, giant sand
dunes rise from behind and beyond the beach. In others, thick
forests border the shoreline inland of the waterfront. The
alluring Cape Reinga, which sits geographically at the very
top of the country, is a majestic place which combines awesome
beauty with mystical Maori legend. Quaint villages and tiny
fishing communities dot the landscape. Low mountains and rolling
hills dominate the inland regions. For all the Far North has
to offer, one wonders why the word “undiscovered”
is sometimes applied to the region. Come see and discover
the beautiful Far North for yourself.
Ahipara and Kaitaia
Ahipara
A predominantly Maori village, Ahipara is a quiet seaside
settlement just 1 kilometre from Siesta. It is located at
the southern end of the magnificent 90 Mile Beach and, by
road, it lies 14 kms west of Kaitaia. The name Ahipara means
‘Sacred Fire” and the township has a proud history
of Maori settlement, gum digging and sea adventures.
Ahipara, with a population of about 1000, has a superette
market, post office, liquor store and petrol station, a take-away
food shop, public laundry facilities, bakery and a full 18-hole
links golf course. It is also the home of both the Ahipara
Adventure Centre
and of Tua Tua
Tours, each of which are mentioned extensively throughout
and are linked to these pages.
Ahipara aerial |
The village of Ahipara |
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Kaitaia
Wth a population of over 5000, Kaitaia is the main market
town of the Far North and the springboard for tourism in the
area. It is a bustling place which offers a wide variety of
retail and service outlets to its inhabitants as well as to
the tourist trade. It is located on NZ’s main north-south
road artery, Highway 1 and it’s about 150 kms north
of Whangarei and it’s about a 4 ½ drive from
Auckland. Kaitaia boasts of several fine restaurants, shops,
service centres, churches and other establishments designed
to meet your needs.
Kaitaia-Hillside View |
Commerce Street (Hwy 1), Kaitaia |
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Local Beaches
90 Mile Beach
You're only a 5 minute walk to one of the most awesome beaches
in the world, the famous 90
Mile Beach. This is an expanse that people who live in
densely populated areas can only dream about, but it's yours
to enjoy and experience during your stay at Siesta. Walk it,
ride it, drive it, sunbath on it, swim or surf it. Whatever
you do on “Ninety Mile”, or wherever you do it,
it’s guaranteed to be memorable.
90 Mile Beach at Ahipara |
The Land of the Long White Cloud |
Ninety Mile Beach is one of a kind in NZ, in that it is officially
designated as a roadway. If the tide cooperates, you can drive
its entire length (about 85 kms), from Ahipara at the southern
end to Scott’s Point at the northern extremity. And,
once you leave Ahipara, you’ll see only one "dwelling"
and you may not see another "vehicle" all the way
to the top!! The raging surf, the abundant shells, the herd
of wild horses, the many seabirds, the ever-present “long
white cloud” and the utter desolation make this the
“Mother of All Beaches”.
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Shipwreck Bay
At the southernmost extremity of 90 Mile Beach lies the lovely,
protected Shipwreck Bay, located a short 2 kms from Ahipara
township. There is a rich, seafaring history associated with
Shipwreck Bay, from gum-oriented, commercial endeavours, to
vessel disasters and shipwrecks. At low tide, a remnant of
one such ship, the "Favourite," which crashed here
early last century, is clearly visible. To anyone interested
in surfing, Shipwreck Bay is best known for having one of
the finest left-hand breaks in the world.
Shipwreck Bay, elevated view |
Shipwreck Bay at beach level |
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Tauroa Peninsula
The strip of land that juts southwest into the Tasman from
just south of Ahipara is known as the Tauroa Peninsula. The
very tip of the peninsula is appropriately called Tauroa Point.
An incredible variety of things to see and do awaits you on
this rarely publicized landmass. In addition, there is much
history here, from the remnants of the post-gold rush gumdigger’s
activity, to the Maori sand middens, some of which date back
to the 13th centruy. You’ll find the unbelievable Ahipara
sand dunes here, as well as several deserted beaches, an unusual
Maori fishing commune and lots of petrified volcanic lava,
locally referred to as “The Reef”.
Mokerau Beach, Tauroa Peninsula |
Tanutanu Beach, Tauroa Peninsula |
Any and all kinds of sand and water activity is available
to you on Tauroa Peninsula, from quad and trail biking on
dunes and beaches…to surf and reef fishing, to one of
the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, to sand tobogganing…and
lots more.
Sand tobogganing near Ahipara |
Quad biking fun on Tanutanu Stream
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Other Area
Beaches
The Far North, like few other places in the world, has been
blessed with some of the most phenomenal and intriguing beaches.
We’re confident that we can direct you to one where
you will not see a soul, at almost any time of the year. Here
are a few words of description and photos of some of them:
East Beach
This beautiful, white and semi-protected beach is off the
beaten track but relatively accessible. It’s the southernmost
beach on the east-coast of the Aupouri Peninsula, the entire
west coast of which consists of Ninety Mile Beach. East Beach
is about a 45 minute drive from Ahipara.
East Beach looking east |
East Beach, southern end |
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Henderson Bay
An excellent surfing beach, Henderson Bay affords a 5km, sweeping
expanse of gorgeous, golden sand beach as it gently curves
outward from the easily-accessible car park located at the
north end of the Bay. It’s located 6 kms from the inland
road to Cape Reinga, about half way between Kaitaia and the
Cape, and it’s a bit less than an hour’s drive
from Siesta.
The sweep of Henderson Bay |
The reef at Henderson Bay |
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Rarawa Beach
Located just a few kilometers north of Henderson Bay, Rarawa
is a smaller, but nonetheless, stellar beach, perfect for
swimming, strolling or sunbathing. Guests continually rave
about it, as it affords the perfect venue for an idyllic,
seaside picnic lunch, whether enjoyed under the beautiful
pohutukawa tree at the south end of the beach or near the
idyllic wading pools to the north.
One of Rarawa’s wading pools |
Beautiful Rarawa Beach |
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Great Exhibition Bay
This is a magnificent beach in every respect. It’s located
a bit further north of Rarawa, and it could very well be the
whitest beach in the world. The pure, sugary silica sand extends
for 23 kilometers from its southern point to its northern
boundary at Parengarenga Harbour. If you didn’t know
better, you would think you’re in the Antarctic, with
the snow-white sand vividly contrasting to the chilly-looking
turquoise water.
Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay |
The arctic-like Great Exhibition Bay |
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Tokerau Beach (Doubtless Bay)
Less than a ¾-hour drive from Siesta, Tokerau is located
on the western side of Doubtless Bay on the beautiful Karikari
Peninsula. It’s a safe, protected expanse, perfect for
families. It’s easily accessed, it’s loaded with
shells and, as is characteristic of all of the Far North beaches,
it’s never crowded.
The shell-laden Tokerau Beach |
Tokerau Beach on Doubtless Bay |
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Matai Bay (Doubtless Bay)
Some who visit Matai Bay call it the best beach in the area,
if not the best they’ve ever seen…..anywhere!!
Like Tokerau, it, too, is situated on Doubtless Bay but more
to the north, and still less than an hour from Siesta. Matai
actually consists of two, sweeping, protected bays and is
probably the safest swimming beach in the North. It’s
located just beyond the “Carrington Farms” golf
and vineyard complex.
Matai Bay - North Bay |
Matai Bay - South Bay |
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Cape Reinga
At the northernmost reaches of New Zealand, Cape Reinga offers
stunning views in any direction. It is located at the confluence
of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea and offers the visitor
breathtaking scenes of the turbulent meeting of their currents
and waves. New Zealand's most visited lighthouse, commissioned
in 1941, is the predominant feature of this magical and mysterious
place.
Lighthouse at Cape Reinga |
Sign and Lighthouse at Cape Reinga |
According to Maori mythology, the spirits of the dead travel
to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife to the spiritual
homeland of Hawaiki. Using seaweed as ropes, they travel down
the hill to the ancient pohutukawa tree, believed to be over
800 years old, at the northernmost tip of the Cape. The spirits
make their final leap from the tree, down the roots, and then
return to Hawaiki. Cape Reinga is known by Maori as Te Rerenga
Wairua, the leaping place of the spirits.
Cape Reigna |
The legendary pohutukawa tree at Cape Reinga |
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Quaint
Harbourside Villages
The Far North abounds with a number of magical, storybook-like
villages, the quaintest of which are located in the protected
harbours which dot the coast. Be sure to stop at Mangonui,
Coopers Beach and Cable Bay on the north shore (Doubtless
Bay); Whangaroa Harbour a bit further to the east and Taipa,
a tad to the west; Hohoura Harbour on the Aupouri Peninsula
on the way to Cape Reinga; the villages of Rawene, Opononi
and Omapere in the Hokianga Harbour area to the south of us,
and, of course, Pahia and Russell in the Bay of Islands on
the east coast.
Rawene |
Mangonui |
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Doubtless Bay
In 1769, Captain James Cook, observing this gorgeous expanse
of water, declared it "Doubtless a Bay" and, without
lingering, continued his circumnavigation of New Zealand.
With a warm sub-tropical climate, over 70kms. of unspoiled
coastline and an abundance of safe beaches, Doubtless Bay
was worthy of a stop, but the good Captain had more important
things to do. But for you, the visitor with less pressing
matters, the Bay should be explored and experienced. It’s
only about 50 kms (less than a 45 minute drive) from your
base at Siesta.
Doubtless Bay |
Sailing on Doubtless Bay |
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Bay of Islands
The picturesque Bay of Islands lies on the east coast of
the Far North but it’s easily reachable from Siesta
in just 90 minutes. And there’s two ways to go, so if
you make a day trip to the “Bay”, you can utilize
a loop routing. Several tour operators are located in Paihia,
the Bay’s major tourist town, and they can whisk you
across the calm azure Bay to see some of the many water-oriented
sights. New Zealand’s first capital, the quaint Russell,
is just a short ferry ride from Pahia and is definitely worth
a visit. The market town of Kerikeri lies a few kms to the
north and, it too, is more than worthy of a stop.
Russell - Bay of Islands |
Tour Boat - Bay of Islands |
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Hokianga
Harbour
The stunning, 300 meter high sand dunes on the north shore
of this gorgeous, fully protected harbour, is the landmark
of the area. A few quaint villages dot the Hokianga’s
south shore, including the twin settlements of Omapere and
Opononi. Trips across the harbour to the dunes can be arranged
from here. Rawene, the southern terminus of the main north-south
vehicular ferry, is New Zealand’s third oldest European
settlement and certainly worth a stroll. Kohukohu is an historic
timber mill town, while the second oldest European settlement,
Horeke, was an historic ship building town.
The dunes across the Hokianga |
Hokianga’s peaceful inner harbour |
TRAVEL NOTE: The ferry takes up to 21 cars a crossing, and
provides a fast (20 minutes), scenic and comfortable trip
across the Hokianga. The first sailing from Rawene is at 7.30am
and last sailing from the Narrows near Kohukohu is at 8pm.
It departs from Rawene on the half hour and the Narrows on
the hour.
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Lush Forests
There are at least three major kauri forests within easy
“striking distance” of Siesta. Omahuta is the
closest and least maintained, but worthy of a side trip if
time allows. It’s about 5 or so kms off Highway 1 near
Mangamuka Bridge, about ¾ hour drive. The Puketi Forest,
whilst further away (about an hour), offers a larger variety
of trees, plus an easy-to-navigate boardwalk system for your
ready viewing. A favorite day-trip of Siesta guests is the
trip south, via the Rawene Ferry, to Hokianga Harbour and
then continuing another 20 or so minutes to the well-known
Waipoua Kauri Forest. Here sits, amongst a thick forest of
these giants, the impressive “Tane Mahuta”, NZ’s
largest living kauri.
Omahuta Forest |
Waipoua Forest |
Much of Ninety Mile Beach is fringed landward by a huge expanse
of evergreen forestry. There is a system of logging roads,
easily accessible by 4WD from both beach and inland roadway,
which provides unparalleled forest scenery. Here, too, you
may encounter several of the wild horses who live in this
idyllic woodland.
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Wild Horses
As you drive up (or down) Ninety Mile Beach, there’s
a better than even chance you’ll encounter a few members….or
more…of a herd of about 300 wild horses which makes
its home in the lust forest that borders much of the beach.
So, as you motor along, whether by 4WD or by tour bus, be
sure to keep a lookout toward the low grassy areas to the
east. You may be surprised at what you see!
You may encounter the wild horses in the forest... |
...or on the beach |
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Gumdiggers
Park
Situated just 4 minutes off the main Cape Reinga road, this
attraction has gained in popularity since its doors opened
a few years ago. Here the visitor can view the maze of giant
gum-holes that reveal extraordinary kauri forests from prehistoric
times, at the same time, gaining insight into the lives of
the gum diggers. Discover how the kauri forests were destroyed
and how that event led to one of the biggest mining booms
in New Zealand history.
Excavation at Gumdiggers Park |
Gumdiggers work settlement re-creation |
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Ancient
Kauri Kingdom
A NZ tourism award winner, this fascinating establishment,
handily located in Awanui on the drive to Cape Reinga, displays
many beautiful items crafted from ancient "swamp"
kauri, many pieces as old as 50,000 years. Huge stumps extracted
from local soil have been turned into an extensive range of
fine furniture and woodcraft products, many proudly displayed
on the premises. Nobody misses it!
Gift shop at Kauri Kingdom |
Huge ancient tree stump carved into a staircase |
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Far
North Regional Museum
Situated in the heart of nearby Kaitaia, this exceptionally
interesting museum follows the history of the region from
pre-European times through its colonization and settlement.
See an amazing kauri gum collection, a very early Maori carving,
a huge anchor weighing over a ton and a half, a timber industry
display, Maori tools and weapons, among many other interesting
and varied items.
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Kiwi House and Glow
Worm Grotto
Visit Millennium Nocturnal Park and enjoy a scenic walk in
natural bush. There’s streams, waterfalls, unusual rock
formations, eels, birds, cave wetas, glow worms galore and,
of course, it wouldn’t be complete without seeing NZ’s
pride and joy, the enigmatic kiwi. The park is about a half
an hour from Siesta.
Millennium Nocturnal Park |
Nocturnal Park resident |
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Okahu
Estate Winery
This award winning winery and vineyard is located between
Ahipara and Kaitaia, only about 10 kms. From Siesta. A "Cellar
Door Shop" is available for free sampling and wine purchases.
Local cheeses, sauces and souvenirs can also be bought.
After a busy day, why not stop by Okahu Estate Winery and
purchase one of their fine products, return to Siesta, relax
and enjoy one of our...
...Phenomenal Sunsets
Here in Ahipara we are truly blessed with some of the most
varied and fascinating sunsets seen anywhere. Why not unwind
after a busy day, sip a glass of your favourite beverage,
sit in a comfortable chair on your private verandah and watch
“ole sol” say goodbye for another day. It could
be a view you’ll remember for a long, long time!
Sunest from Siesta |
Sunset from 90 Mile Beach below Siesta
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