Location: Kaitaia
Top Things to do in Kaitaia
What to do and see in Kaitaia, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
Kaitaia is a town in the Far North District of New Zealand, at the base of the Aupouri Peninsula, about 160 km northwest of Whangarei. It is the last major settlement on State Highway 1. Ahipara Bay, the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, is 5 km west.
Restaurants in Kaitaia
1. Ninety Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By oldcarlady - Rochester, Massachusetts
We took a bus tour of this area. One stop was Ninety Mile Beach. Beautiful beach in the far northland of New Zealand. The sand dunes were lovely. My husband and our friends did a boggie board ride down the dunes. You have to climb the dune. A bit tough but worth the ride. Great fun.
2. Te Ahu Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Peter K - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Its nothing special, its an information center. Admittedly, Kiatia is about as removed from New York or London as you can get and there's no Metropolitan Museum within walking distance but it's still just an information centre. Get your maps and tea towels and move on.
3. Rarawa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Allgoodthyngs - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Although the water was grey and the rain was falling we still enjoyed a short stop at this lovely white sand beach. Limited parking so would imagine we wouldn't have been so lucky on a hot sunny day.
Water looked a little rough and there was evidence of a strong rip tide off shore
Lovely place to take a stroll and not too many cars driving about so quite safe too,
4. Mathew's Vintage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By MartinBDevon - Devon
We think that there must have been a method to collect the vast and diverse range of items and this may well have been `we will have one of everything`!
The sheer quantity of items from pencil sharpeners to tractors is amazing.
There is literally something for everyone to relate to and to enjoy, from a 5 year old child to a 90 year old. We do urge you to stop by.
5. Fern Flat Pottery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By frangii - Whakatane, New Zealand
Went to find a far north present for my partner who didn't get to come on holiday, found the perfect pottery fish here, the pottery is just Devine and slightly different from anything else around , prices range from just 10$ to big installations for your wall for a few hundred. The folks who own it are just sweet hearts , real bare foot artists if you know what I mean. Thanks for the great fishing - gebe
6. Far North i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Tablepour6 - Melbourne
My family and I used the helpful ladies at the i-Site to assist us in finding activities that would suit our family during our time in Kaitaia. We were able to book activities like surf lessons, bicycle rentals and get directions to the local spot to gather tuatua.
7. Te Ahu Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Te Ahu Kaitaia is a new, visitor centre and community centre. It has many attractions under one roof and free WIFI access. The Visitor Information Centre is open seven days. The museum will give you a picture of the Far North, then and now. A special place to visit, with kuaka (godwits in flight) and a huge pou (carving) for each of the iwi (peoples). Our culture is here for you. Nau to whare, come to this place, where our community comes together to meet, learn, celebrate, enjoy and to grow.
Reviewed By Doffo - Mellons Bay, Auckland
Attached to the Te Ahu Arts centre and the Library, the Museum seems to be often overlooked, which is a real shame as it lays out the history of this area most attractively. The explanatory panels accompanying the exhibits are clear, concise and interesting. Equal...MoreNga mihi nui (Big Greetings) In one word: Thanks Make that four: Appreciate your feedback
8. Herekino Forest Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Colin D - Mt Eliza, Australia
This walk has very steep sections. It would be almost impossible after rain, as the track would be too slippery. However, the scenery and changing flora make it worthwhile. We did not do the whole route, as it would take all day......and this is without the return journey. Walk for an hour or two and return to your parked car. The Herekino Forest is also home to rare and threatened species such as brown kiwi.
The track is well cut and regularly marked with orange triangles. The surface is variable, from roots, rocks, moss, slippery soil, sand and mud. There were steps along parts of the steep initial section to the summit. Highlights are stands of mature kauri. The first mature Kauri was after about 2.3 Km.
The start of the track is signposted on Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd at Herekino Gorge summit, a saddle. The walk begins with a long solid climb. Throughout the length of the track there were hanging vines, slowing our pace. Streams were deeply cut into the terrain, slowing down our speed as well.
Views along the ridges were spectacular in all directions.
The mature kauri were a highlight. We did not see kiwi.
Keep an eye on the time, allowing ample time for your return.
Only plan the walk for fine conditions. The weather may close in at higher points on the track, and the track will be slippery when wet.
Carry enough food and water. We had a phone with GPS (OsmAnd), and the track was shown.
9. Lake Ngatu Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Melody P - Kaitaia, Northland, New Zealand
Lake Ngatu is a pretty little lake. The walking track around it is well maintained and takes about an hour at a good pace. The first part of the track goes through a lovely area of trees and ferns. It is cool and pretty there but then it enters into a but of gorse and can be a bit prickly so watch your step. The path through there was well cut though. Very hot in the middle of the day so hats and sunscreen are a must, as well as a water bottle. Early morning or late evening would be good times to walk this track too. There are toilets on either side of the lake. Have seen people enjoy a good swim in the lake too but not tried that yet myself. Beautiful big shade trees are perfect for a picnic
10. Serafinas Park and Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Janneke H - Kaitaia
Serafina and her husband Murray have the most beautiful garden! What once was a paddock is now a subtropical paradise, with trees, fruit trees, flowering shrubs and an amazing array of flowers all year round. Perfect hosts as they are, they will show you around, or let you stroll at your leisure. Definitely worth a visit!
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