Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Waiotemarama & Waimamaku
These neighbouring villages, nestled between the Hokianga Harbour and the Waipoua
Forest, are the first of many tiny rural communities scattered along this underpopulated
stretch of SH12.
Activities
Labyrinth Woodworks
MAZE
(
www.nzanity.co.nz
; 647 Waiotemarama Gorge Rd; maze $4; 9am-5pm)
Crack the code in the
outdoor maze by collecting letters to form a word. The puzzle museum and lots of retro
board games are also interesting. Nearby walks lead to a waterfall and magnificent kauri
trees.
Eating
Morrell's Cafe
CAFE $$$
(7235 SH12, Waimamaku; mains $10-24; 9am-4pm)
This cafe and craft shop occupies a
former cheese factory. It's the last good eatery before Baylys Beach, so drop in for coffee
or an eggy breakfast.
KAURI COAST
Apart from the odd bluff and river, this coast is basically unbroken and undeveloped for
the 110km between the Hokianga and Kaipara Harbours. The main reason for coming
here is to marvel at the kauri forests, one of the great natural highlights of NZ. You'd
need 8m arms to get them around some of the big boys here.
There are few stores or eateries and no ATMs north of Dargaville, so stock up before-
hand. Trampers should check DOC's website for walks in the area (
www.doc.govt.nz
).
For visitor information see
www.kauricoast.com
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Waipoua Forest
