Aupouri Peninsula, Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga
The beautiful Aupouri Peninsula is a sub-tropical paradise in the Far
North of New Zealand - stretching north from Ahipara and Kaitaia.
Steeped in pioneering history and maori legend, home of the giant swamp
kauri and treasured kauri gum. Experience our unspoiled beaches to swim,
snorkel and gather shellfish, take time out to enjoy some of the best
fishing waters in the world. The friendly local hospitality will assure
your stay in the real Far North as something special.
The magnificent white sand beaches of the east coast and Ninety Mile Beach
on the west coast are easily accessible at Ahipara and Waipapakauri.
Take an adventurous journey along famous Ninety Mile Beach. Visit
legendary Cape Reinga (an easy one and a half hour drive) where the restless
Pacific Ocean collides in foaming anger with the Tasman Sea and see the
lonely Pohutukawa tree from where, in maori legend, the spirits depart
this world.
Here are just some of the things to do and see within a short distance of Aloe Aloe Gardens. For more information, check out the Ahipara and Doubtless Bay websites.
Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga:
Ninety Mile Beach is best visited by specialist 4x4 vehicles with knowledgeable
driver-guides. Frequent stops are made throughout the full day Safari
Tour of the Aupouri Peninsula - desert brown sands of Ninety Mile Beach,
cliff faces drenched in wild surf, the pure white sands of Great Exhibition
Bay, the magnificent pine forests with their herds of wild horses and
awesome Cape Reinga. Pick-up and drop-off in Kaitaia or Awanui.
Far North Outback
Adventures • Ph: 09 408 0927
Paradise Connexion
• Ph: 09 406 0640
Gumdiggers
Park • Ph: 09 406 7166
Discover the history of the Far North and the gum digging revolution that
shaped the landscape, the people and the local industries of our past
as well as our modern day lives. View the maze of giant gum holes that
reveal extraordinary kauri trees from prehistoric times and explore the
mystery that caused the destruction of these ancient forests. Situated
25 kms. north of Kaitaia, four minutes drive off State Highway 1.
Ancient
Kauri Kingdom • Ph: 09 406 7172
Located a few kilometres north of Kaitaia on State Highway 1 at Awanui,
Ancient Kauri Kingdom displays hand-crafted furniture, art, crafts and
gifts from the oldest workable timber in the world. See the amazing centrepiece
in the shop - a staircase carved within a 140 ton log. Independent radiocarbon
dating confirms that this tree had lain in a swamp for 45,000 - 50,000
years.
Fishing and kayaking
Cape
Reinga Adventures • Ph: 09 409 8445
Based on the Parengarenga Harbour, 85 kms. north of Kaitaia, they offer
the opportunity of surf casting (beach fishing and rock fishing), deep-water
and game fishing and kayaking to secluded fishing spots - fishing for
snapper, trevally, kahawai, kingfish and shark.
Te Wairoa • Ph: 09 409 8884
Enjoy fishing from Pukenui wharf in fully equipped, safe boats. Catch
some of the many species found in Great Exhibition Bay.
WildCat Fishing
Charters • Ph: 09 409 4729
Based in Ahipara, they offer Big Game Fishing full-day charters for novices
or hard-core fishermen. WildCat 1 is an eight metre aluminium
catamaran powered by a 200 HP outboard and cruises at 18-20 knots. The
fishing grounds off Ahipara are relatively untapped and offer some of
the most exciting nonstop action in the country. All fishing gear is supplied
or you can take your own rod and reel. For the keen-eyed, there are dolphin
and killer whales to be seen and occasionally sperm whales.
Quad biking
Marvel at the majesty of the bleak landscape that is the sand dunes south
of Ahipara on the West Coast. Take a guided walk or drive and experience
the dunes up close.
Tuatua Tours
• Ph: 09 409 4875
Okahu Estate
Vineyard & Winery • Ph: 09 408 2066
One of New Zealand's most northerly vineyards and wineries. The winery
is situated on the road from Kaitaia to Ahipara. The first vines were
established in 1984 by vineyard owner Monty Knight. Since then the label
has earned a reputation for consistent quality, winning numerous awards
including a number of gold medals.
Visit the Hokianga
About 60 kilometres south of Kaitaia, the Hokianga can
be visited on a circular route. Take the highway south from Ahipara to
Kohukohu and then the car ferry across the harbour to Rawene and historic
Clendon House.
You can view the huge sand dunes at the mouth of the harbour on your way to the large Waipoua Kauri Forest reserve with the giant Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) and Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest).
Returning along the south Hokianga, you can visit the Wairere Boulders and the beautifully-sited Mangungu Mission House. Then take State Highway 1 back through the Mangamuka Gorge to Kaitaia.