Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pouto Point
A narrow spit descends south of Dargaville, bordered by the Tasman Sea and Wairoa
River, and comes to an abrupt halt at the entrance of NZ's biggest harbour, the Kaipara.
It's an incredibly remote headland, punctuated by dozens of petite dune lakes and the
lonely Kaipara Lighthouse (built from kauri in 1884). Less than 10km separates Kaipara
Harbour's north and south heads, but if you were to drive between the two you'd cover
267km.
A 4WD can be put to its proper use on the ocean-hugging 71km stretch of beach from
Dargaville. DOC's
Pouto Hidden Treasures
is a helpful guide for motorists, with tips for
protecting both your car and the fragile ecosystem. It can be downloaded at
To explore the huge expanse of sand dunes on an organised tour, contact Jock at
Poutu
Sand Safaris
(
09-439 6678;
www.poutu.co.nz
;
per person from $35)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Matakohe
POP 400
Apart from the rural charms of this village, the key reason for visiting is the superb
Kauri
cross sections of trees are astounding, but the entire industry is brought to life through
video kiosks, artefacts, fabulous furniture and marquetry, and reproductions of a pioneer
sawmill, boarding house, gumdigger's hut and Victorian home. The Gum Room holds a
weird and wonderful collection of kauri gum, the amber substance that can be carved,
sculpted and polished to a jewel-like quality. The museum shop stocks mementoes craf-
ted from kauri wood and gum.
Facing the museum is the tiny kauri-built
Matakohe Pioneer Church
(1867), which
served both Methodists and Anglicans, and acted as the community's hall and school.
Nearby, you can wander through a historic
school house
(1878) and
post office/tele-
phone exchange
(1909).
Sleeping & Eating
Matakohe Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
