Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nobody comes to the Far North to hang out in this provincial town, but it's a handy stop if
you're after a supermarket, a post office or an ATM. It's also a jumping-off point for tours
to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Sights
Te Ahu Centre
(
www.teahu.org.nz
; Matthews Ave; )
This civic and community centre features a cinema, the ec-
lectic local-history
Te Ahu Heritage
(
www.teahuheritage.co.nz
; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat)
exhibits of the Far North Regional Museum, and the local i-SITE information centre.
There's also a cafe and free wi-fi at the library.
ARTS CENTRE
Okahu Estate Winery
(
www.okahuestate.co.nz
;
520 Okahu Rd; noon-5pm Thu-Sat, also open holiday weekends)
Just south of
town, off the road to Ahipara, Kaitaia's only winery offers free tastings and sells local
produce, including the famous Kaitaia Fire chilli sauce. Enquire about tours ($5).
WINERY
Sleeping & Eating
Mainstreet Lodge
( 09-408 1275;
www.mainstreetlodge.co.nz
;
235 Commerce St; dm $27-30, s $55-70, d & tw $64-78; )
Maori carvings abound at this groovy old cottage, which has a modern purpose-built wing
facing the rear courtyard. The friendly owners know the area inside-out.
HOSTEL
$
Loredo Motel
( 09-408 3200;
www.loredomotel.co.nz
;
25 North Rd; units $130-160; )
Opting for a breezy Span-
ish style, this tidy motel has well-kept units set among palm trees and lawns, with a swim-
ming pool.
MOTEL
$$
RESTAURANT
$$
Beachcomber
(
www.beachcomber.net.nz
;
222 Commerce St; lunch $19-33, dinner $24-36; 11am-3pm Mon-Fri, 5pm-late Mon-
Sat)
Easily the best place to eat in town, with a wide range of seafood and meaty fare and a
well-stocked salad bar.
