Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
PUKETI & OMAHUTA FORESTS
Inland from Kerikeri, the Puketi and Omahuta Forests form a continuous expanse of native rainforest. Logging in
Puketi was stopped in 1951 to protect not only the remaining kauri but also the endangered kokako bird. Keep an
eye out for this rare charmer (grey with a blue wattle) on your wanders.
The forests are reached by several entrances and contain a network of walking tracks varying in length from 15
minutes (the wheelchair-accessible Manginangina Kauri Walk) to two days (the challenging Waipapa River
Track); see the DOC website for other walks.
You'll find a
DOC campsite
( 09-407 0300;
www.doc.govt.nz
; Waiare Rd; sites per adult/child 6/3), two
three-person cabins ($21) and a 18-bunk hut (exclusive use $62) at the Puketi Recreation Area on the forests'
eastern fringe. The hut has hot showers, a kitchen and a flush toilet, while the cabins and campsite make do with
cold showers.
Adventure Puketi
(
www.forestwalks.com
; tours $75-155) leads guided ecowalks through the forest, including
night-time tours to seek out the nocturnal wildlife.
Eating & Drinking
Cafe Jerusalem
MAP
MIDDLE EASTERN
$
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.cafejerusalem.co.nz
;
Village Mall, 85 Kerikeri Rd; snacks & mains $9-18; 10am-late Mon-Sat, 5pm-late Sun
in summer)
Northland's best felafels and lamb kebabs, all served with a smile and a social
vibe. Good salads, and wine and and beer are also available. Try the
shakshuka
(baked
eggs in a spicy tomato sauce) for a hearty brunch.
Fishbone
MAP
CAFE, BAR
$
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.fishbonecafe.co.nz
;
88 Kerikeri Rd; mains $10-18; 8am-4pm Mon-Wed, to 8pm Thu-Fri, 8.30am-3pm Sat &
Sun)
Kerikeri's best brekkie spot serves excellent coffee and food. Dr Seuss fans should try
the green (pesto) eggs and ham. From 4pm to 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays, Fishbone
morphs into a wine bar.
The Village Cafe
MAP
(Village Mall, 85 Kerikeri Rd; mains $10-17; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat & Sun)
This chic and cosmo-
politan spot is popular with locals for good coffee, freshly prepared counter food, and a
CAFE
$
