Kauri Coast — Dargaville to the Hokianga(SH12).
Distance
115 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
800 m
Kauri Coast — Dargaville to the Hokianga (SH12).
State Highway 12 runs north from the old kauri-timber town of Dargaville through the largest surviving tract of native forest in Northland. The route passes turquoise dune lakes and two protected kauri sanctuaries before dropping to the Hokianga Harbour and its towering golden sand dunes. Short, shaded and often damp under the canopy — an easy but atmospheric half-day.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance115 km
Days1
Total climb800 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
DargavilleStart · Old kauri-timber and gum-trading town on the Northern Wairoa River. Last big fuel and supplies before the forest — head north on SH12.
Kai Iwi LakesScenic Point · A trio of turquoise freshwater dune lakes in the Taharoa Domain, a short sealed detour off SH12. Clear enough to see the bottom.
Trounson Kauri ParkScenic Point · DOC's first mainland island. A 40-minute loop boardwalk winds through untouched kauri, and kiwi call here at night.
Tāne Mahuta — Waipoua ForestPhoto Spot · The largest living kauri on earth — around 51m tall and up to 2,500 years old — standing metres from the road. Ride the forest section slowly: tight, shaded and greasy when wet.
Ōmāpere & Opononi — Hokianga HeadsEnd · SH12 drops to the Hokianga Harbour facing the giant golden sand dunes across the water. End at Opononi for fish and chips on the waterfront.
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