Mitimiti: A Remote Beach Gem in Northland
Tucked away north of the Hokianga Harbour, Mitimiti is a small, isolated coastal settlement on Northland’s rugged west coast. Known for its expansive white-sand surf beach, rich Māori heritage, and deep historical connections, Mitimiti is a destination that rewards those willing to take the scenic route.
This secluded spot is around a 50-minute drive from Kohukohu, following the winding West Coast Road through steep hills and valleys, north of the Hokinaga Harbour.
Cultural Significance of Mitimiti
The name “Mitimiti” translates to “to lap up” and carries cultural significance, with two alternative origin stories.
The first describes the area as a resting point for the spirits of the dead, where they would stop to lap up water on their journey north to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). Here they would depart for Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland of Māori.
The second story relates the name to a historical battle. After a great chief named More Te Korohanga was slain, there wasn't enough of his body for all the victorious warriors to take a piece as a token of respect or victory. So, instead, they licked his blood from the rocks.
The Beach and Settlement
The Mitimiti settlement stretches along the coast for approximately four kilometres, with the Mātihetihe Stream marking the southern end of the beach and a 700 metre series of rock platforms defining the northern end. West Coast Road runs along the valley to the settlement, before turning sharply north, continuing until it reaches the end of the settlement. Towering behind the road are the steep, bush-clad slopes of Warawara Forest, which rise to nearly 500 metres and give the area a striking natural backdrop.
As you approach the settlement, Hato Hēmi Catholic Church and Mātihetihe Marae come into view to your left, located just off Hohaia Road. The marae takes its name from the tumbleweeds (mātihetihe) that roll across the nearby dunes. This side road also offers the most convenient beach access, leading to a public toilet and a wide grassy reserve backed by dunes. From here, a 200 metre walk over the Mātihetihe Stream and through a gap in the dunes brings you to the shoreline.
NZ Chinese Community Connection
Above the dunes lies the local urupā (Māori cemetery), where a memorial gateway was erected in 2013 through a partnership between local iwi and the New Zealand Chinese Association. The memorial honours the 499 Chinese miners whose remains were being returned to China aboard the SS Ventnor when the ship sank in 1902. After bones began washing ashore, local Māori respectfully buried them in their own cemetery, forging a lasting cultural connection between the two communities.
Exploring the Coastline
Mitimiti’s beach is wild, spacious and largely untouched, offering plenty of room for solitude and exploration. To the south, the beach extends around 15 kilometres to the north head of the Hokianga Harbour. During low tide, and with a 4WD vehicle, you can cross the Mātihetihe Stream and drive along the beach to the vast dune systems that mark the harbour’s northern edge. It’s a dramatic landscape, shaped by wind and tide, and rarely visited by more than a handful of people at any one time.
The northern end of the beach is more interesting to explore. There is a scattering of houses overlooking the sea and a small reserve perched on the cliffs. A rough 4WD track leads down to the shore, where the beach narrows beneath sandy cliffs, and long rock platforms stretch out into the surf. These platforms are fascinating at low tide, when a variety of rock pools are revealed. The rocks also offer some excellent fishing spots, while there are still plenty of sandy spots as well.
You can walk or drive a 4WD four km north to Morewa Point, where even fewer people venture. It’s not uncommon to see cattle wandering on the beach at the south end of the cliffs and rocks, so a bit of caution is advised if you drive in that direction!
A Place to Reflect
Mitimiti isn’t just a beach; it’s a unique place for quiet reflection, where people's stories, culture, and wild coastal beauty all converge. Whether you're drawn by the ocean, the landscape, or the deep sense of connection to the past, a visit to this remote Northland beach is a memorable and meaningful detour.
Getting to Mitimiti Beach
To reach Mitimiti Beach, drive along West Coast Road from Kohukohu for about 55 minutes (.47 km). This road is gravel from Lower Waihou, south of Pangaru.
Other places to visit on this drive include Hokianga. From Kohuklohu, you can take the Rawene Ferry to Rawene, then explore the better-known, but still beautiful places on the Hokianga Harbour, such as Opononi and Ōmāpere, and Arai-te-Uru / South Head.
