Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Starting at the car park at the end of Signal Station Rd, this short walk (30 minutes return)
follows the cliffs and passes through a tall stand of manuka before opening out to the
grassy southern headland of the Hokianga and the remains of an old signal station. Built
to assist ships making the treacherous passage through the harbour mouth, the station was
closed in 1951 due to the decline in shipping in the harbour.
Six Foot Track
The Six Foot Track at the end of Mountain Rd gives access to many Waima Forest walks.
TRAMPING
Tours
Footprints Waipoua
( 09-405 8207;
www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz
;
adult/child $95/35)
Led by Maori guides, this four-
hour twilight tour into Waipoua Forest is a fantastic introduction to both the culture and
the forest giants. Tribal history and stories are shared, and mesmerising
karakia
(prayer,
incantation) recited before the gargantuan trees.
CULTURAL TOUR
Sandtrails Hokianga
( 09-409 5035;
www.sandtrailshokianga.co.nz
)
Jump off the Hokianga Express (
Click here
)
boat
and into a dune buggy for a sandy ride to Mitimiti ($185, three hours), or a 70-minute
Sandsecrets tour ($95).
DUNE BUGGY
Sleeping & Eating
Each of these neighbouring villages has its own grocery store and takeaway, and there is a
good bistro and bar at the Opononi Hotel.
GlobeTrekkers Lodge
( 09-405 8183;
www.globetrekkerslodge.com
;
SH12, Omapere; dm/s/d $29/53/67; )
Unwind in casual
style at this home-style hostel with harbour views and bright dorms. Private rooms have
plenty of thoughtful touches, such as writing desks, mirrors, art and fluffy towels. There's
a stereo but no TV, encouraging plenty of schmoozing in the grapevine-draped BBQ area.
HOSTEL
$
Hokianga Haven
B&B
$$
