Visit Northland Region with Mighway

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Perched at the spectacular northern tip of the North Island, the white-washed Cape Reinga lighthouse is reached by a gentle 1km stroll flanked by some of New Zealand's most spectacular beaches. To the southwest and fringed by dunes, Te Werahi Beach curves gently to touch Cape Maria van Diemen, while east from Cape Reinga, the gob smackingly beautiful Spirits Bay is known to local Maori as the final departure point for souls heading to the spiritual homeland. This is the northern most point of New Zealand so really is a most-stop location. You can see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and the area has a large role in Maori mythology. This really is a special place so do try to make it up here, it's worth the effort.

Koutu Boulders

If you feel a game of bowls with balls up to 3 metres in diameter is just what you need, take a walk on the beach between Koutu and Kauwhare points on the south shore of the Hokianga Harbour where you will find the Koutu Boulders, one of the Hokianga’s better kept secrets.

The boulders are excellent examples of concretions : hardened nodules that form within sedimentary rocks. They are composed of the same material as the surrounding rock and they form when a cementing mineral binds grains of sediment into a cohesive mass. It has been estimated that the largest of the boulders may have taken 5 million years to grow.

The Kauri Museum

The award winning Kauri Museum tells the story of our pioneering settlers through the lens of the Kauri Industry. The museum specializes in the legacy of our Kauri Forests; specifically the strong durable timber and the highly prized Kauri Gum.

Experience the adventures of our pioneering settlers and appreciate the legacy of our kauri forests.

- Explore our interactive hands-on displays.

- Venture into our historic buildings and escape into the pages of our history books.

- Get to know the people behind the mannequins and the stories they have to share.

The Kauri Museum offers something for all ages. It is also a centre of excellence for kauri research with an extensive collections archive.

The Kauri Museum recounts the history and the legacy left behind by our ancient Kauri Forests (second in size only to the American redwood tree). In addition to preserving our past, the Museum has a role to play in conserving their future, collaborating to “Save our Forests”.

Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)

This short walk, starting at the Rainbow Falls carpark, is accessible by wheelchair.

Three stunning viewing platforms are at the top of the Rainbow Falls.

The Te Araroa Trail joins the Kerikeri River Track at this point and carries on down the hill towards the Kerikeri Basin.

You can stroll along the riverbank to the spectacular Rainbow Falls, where the water tumbles into a popular swimming hole surrounded by native bush. The falls are also a popular destination for kayakers to explore.

There are parking and picnicking areas at the end of Rainbow Falls Road.

10,000 Steps Northland: This track equates to about 533 steps.

Getting there

From Kerikeri township, head north-east to the Heritage Bypass, then turn left into Waipapa Road. Rainbow Falls Road is on the left off Waipapa Road. Access to the Rainbow Falls is from the parking area at the end of Rainbow Falls Road or from the Kerikeri River Track itself.

Nature and conservation

You may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting about while you walk.

Puriri, totara, karaka, and manuka shelter the path to the viewing platforms.

History and culture

The third platform is at the head of an historic weir that supplied the first electrical power to the early Kerikeri township. Remnants of the Kerikeri hydro-electric station and weir are still visible and an information panel is situated at the rest area.