Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When a town proclaims itself the 'kumara capital of NZ' (it produces two-thirds of the
country's sweet potatoes), you should know not to expect too much. Founded in 1872 by
timber merchant Joseph Dargaville, this once-important river port thrived on the export of
kauri timber and gum. As the forests were decimated, it declined, and today is a quiet
backwater servicing the agricultural Northern Wairoa area.
Sights & Activities
Dargaville Museum
(
www.dargavillemuseum.co.nz
;
adult/child $15/2; 9am-4pm)
The hilltop Dargaville Museum is more
interesting than most regional museums. There's a large gumdigging display, plus mari-
time, Maori and musical-instrument sections and a neat model railway. Outside, the masts
of the
Rainbow Warrior
are mounted at a lookout near a
pa
site, and there's a re-creation
of a gumdiggers' camp.
MUSEUM
Kumara Box
( 09-439 7018;
www.kumarabox.co.nz
;
503 Pouto Rd; tours $20)
To learn all about kumara, book
ahead for Kumara Ernie's show. It's surprisingly entertaining, usually involving a journey
by home-built tractor-train through the fields to 'NZ's smallest church'.
FARM
Sleeping & Eating
Campervans can stay at the Dargaville Museum car park for $15 per night.
Greenhouse Backpackers
( 09-439 6342;
greenhousebackpackers@ihug.co.nz
;
15 Gordon St; dm/s/d $28/45/70; )
This converted
1921 schoolhouse has classrooms partitioned into a large dorm and a communal lounge,
both painted with colourful murals. Better still are the cosy units in the back garden.
HOSTEL
$
The Hangi Hut
( 09-439 4264;
www.facebook.com/thehangihut
;
1 Murdoch St; hangi $12; 11am-6pm Tue-Sat)
Opposite
the information centre, The Hangi Hut does heaped plates of meat and vegies - including,
of course, local kumara. Choose from lamb, pork or chicken, all served with delicious
stuffing, and steamed slowly on hot volcanic rocks. Raw fish and coconut ($5) and tradi-
tional Maori
paraoa parae
(fried bread, 50c) are also available.
MAORI
$
