The Kauri Coast, State Highway 12, is part of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and runs up the east side of Northland from Brynderwyn to Hokianga Harbour. It is known for the massive ancient kauri trees in Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park, stunning Tasman Sea beaches, and rich history. You can do the drive in about 2.5 hours and fit in some side trips for a day, but it is best to spend several days exploring this beautiful region.
The Kauri Coast is named after the colossal kauri trees still thriving in the area. However, these are a mere remnant of the kauri forests that dominated Northland when Europeans arrived. To appreciate the scale of the change and mass conversion to farmland, visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. This superb museum provides insight into the impact of pioneering settlers. If you have time, take the short detour to the nearby Kauri Bushmans Reserve.
Dargaville is the main town on the route, with various food and accommodation options. From there, it is a short drive to Baylys Beach, one of several hamlets on extraordinary Ripiro Beach, the longest beach in NZ at 107 km. You can drive on the beach to Aranga Beach at the north end, within four hours on either side of low tide. There is also access to Ripiro Beach at Glinks Gully, south of Baylys Beach, Omamari, and Aranga Beach. There are camping options at these locations. At Aranga, you can also take a half-day walk to the top of the spectacular Maunganui Bluff, which has one of the best coastal views in NZ.
Continuing north on State Highway 12 from Dargaville towards the kauri forests, you will discover Kai Iwi Lakes near Omamari. These beautiful dune lakes offer a range of water and walking activities, with two commercial campgrounds.
After the Kai Iwi Lakes and before the turnoff to Aranga Beach, you will see the side road to Trounson Kauri Park. This is a superb short loop walk amongst the ancients, with an adjacent DOC campsite. At night, there is a chance of seeing kiwi birds.
From there, head back to State Highway 12 and enter Waipoua Forest. The further you drive in, the more dramatic it gets with giant ancient trees right up to the twisting road. You can stop for a short walk at Te Matua Ngahere, a genuinely spectacular 2,000-year-old tree, and for a brief walk to Tane Mahuta, the most famous tree in NZ. There is also a campsite on Waipoua River Road.
After exiting the forest, the drive to Hokianga Harbour is short, but consider side trips to Waiotemarama Waterfall and Waimamaku Beach (Kaikai Beach).
