Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gumdiggers Park
MUSEUM
(
www.gumdiggerspark.co.nz
;
171 Heath Rd, Waiharara; adult/child $14/7; 9am-5pm)
Kauri
forests covered this area for 100,000 years, leaving ancient logs and the much-prized
gum (used for making varnish and linoleum) buried beneath. Digging it out was the re-
gion's main industry from the 1870s to the 1920s. In 1900 around 7000 gumdiggers were
digging holes all over Northland, including at this site. Start with the 15-minute video,
and then walk on the bush tracks, leading past gumdiggers' huts, ancient kauri stumps,
huge preserved logs, and holes left by the diggers.
Ancient Kauri Kingdom
WOODTURNERS
(
www.ancientkauri.co.nz
;
229 Far North Rd, Awanui; 8.30am-5pm; )
Here, 50,000-year-old
kauri stumps dragged out of swamps are fashioned into furniture, woodcraft products and
a fair bit of tourist tat. The large complex includes a cafe, gift shop and workshop. A
huge kauri log has been transformed into an impressive spiral staircase.
Tours
Bus tours go to Cape Reinga from Kaitaia, Ahipara, Doubtless Bay and the Bay of Is-
lands, but there's no scheduled public transport up here.
Cape Reinga Adventures
4WD TOURS
( 09-409 8445;
www.capereingaadventures.co.nz
;
half-/full-day 4WD trips $75/135)
Runs 4WD
tours (including sunset visits to the cape after the crowds have gone), plus fishing, kayak-
ing and sandboarding as day activities or as part of overnight camping trips.
Far North Outback Adventures
4WD TOURS
( 09-408 0927;
www.farnorthtours.co.nz
;
price on application)
Flexible, day-long tours from
Kaitaia/Ahipara, including morning tea and lunch. Options include visits to remote areas
such as Great Exhibition Bay.
Harrisons Cape Runner
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 0800 227 373;
www.harrisonscapereingatours.co.nz
; adult/child $50/25)
Day trips from
Kaitaia along Ninety Mile Beach that include sandboarding and a picnic lunch.
Sand Safaris
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 09-408 1778, 0800 869 090;
www.sandsafaris.co.nz
;
adult/child $50/30)
Coach trips from
Ahipara and Kaitaia including sandboarding and a picnic lunch.
