Finding just the perfect spot of sun, white sand and crystal blue waters is easier than you would think to get to. Only a couple of hours drive North from the big smoke (Auckland City) taking the scenic route via Maungaturoto (before the Brenderwyn hills) off Highway 1 to Dargarville and through the lush bushland and Kauri Forest (Waipoua).
Its a mixed bag of captivating scenery, from the farmlands, yes with lots of sheep and cows, through to quaint little townships that can still transport you through time to the early settler years of the 19th century. If you are seeking out the best Kumara (sweet potato) in the world, then Dargarville is where you will find it.
If you are into native timber woodworking, Dargarville is renowned for fine Kauri masterpieces.
Want to go for a spot of surf fishing? Check this out - Baylys Beach. Just another hidden treasure to be explored.
Baylys Beach, 14km west of Dargaville, is part of New Zealand's longest beach. The Maori name is Ripiro and the beach is 100km of golden sand, sand dunes and remote (and sometimes wild) coastline. At its southern tip it enters New Zealand's largest harbour, the Kaipara.
I remember back in the day when I was growing up, the excitement of hearing the huge waves rumbling on the sandy shores. I couldn’t see them as we approached, I could only hear it as I was too small to look out the car window. My parents could not control the noise us kids were making in the back seat and soon as the car halted, we were out of there.
We would have competitions on who could collect the most shellfish including pipis, clams, toheroas. The great thing about it was, you had the beach all to yourself.
Its a mixed bag of captivating scenery, from the farmlands, yes with lots of sheep and cows, through to quaint little townships that can still transport you through time to the early settler years of the 19th century. If you are seeking out the best Kumara (sweet potato) in the world, then Dargarville is where you will find it.
If you are into native timber woodworking, Dargarville is renowned for fine Kauri masterpieces.
Want to go for a spot of surf fishing? Check this out - Baylys Beach. Just another hidden treasure to be explored.
Baylys Beach, 14km west of Dargaville, is part of New Zealand's longest beach. The Maori name is Ripiro and the beach is 100km of golden sand, sand dunes and remote (and sometimes wild) coastline. At its southern tip it enters New Zealand's largest harbour, the Kaipara.
I remember back in the day when I was growing up, the excitement of hearing the huge waves rumbling on the sandy shores. I couldn’t see them as we approached, I could only hear it as I was too small to look out the car window. My parents could not control the noise us kids were making in the back seat and soon as the car halted, we were out of there.
We would have competitions on who could collect the most shellfish including pipis, clams, toheroas. The great thing about it was, you had the beach all to yourself.
Continuing north you next encounter the great Lord of the Waipoua Forest - Tane mahuta. It stands close to the road and is estimated to be 1,200 years old. It is 52 metres high and has a trunk of over 5 metres in diameter
This is a playground for nature lovers, wetas, huhu bugs and lots of other friendly creepy crawlies. You may even find a cute little kiwi bird, if you’re lucky. A forest sanctuary abounding with rare New Zealand flora and fauna, mighty kauri, nocturnal kiwi, feather-like ferns, amongst a sub tropical rain forest.
Lets keep driving: More farms, sheep and cows, lucious rolling pastures over the hill and WOW!
This is the place to be - Hokianga Harbour. This picture tells it all.
What’s your favourite place North of Auckland?
For more information on Northland visit Motorhome Road Trip. Your best guide to what’s happening in travel.
http://www.motorhomeroadtrip.com/new-zealand/northland-campervan-rental-holiday/
This is a playground for nature lovers, wetas, huhu bugs and lots of other friendly creepy crawlies. You may even find a cute little kiwi bird, if you’re lucky. A forest sanctuary abounding with rare New Zealand flora and fauna, mighty kauri, nocturnal kiwi, feather-like ferns, amongst a sub tropical rain forest.
Lets keep driving: More farms, sheep and cows, lucious rolling pastures over the hill and WOW!
This is the place to be - Hokianga Harbour. This picture tells it all.
What’s your favourite place North of Auckland?
For more information on Northland visit Motorhome Road Trip. Your best guide to what’s happening in travel.
http://www.motorhomeroadtrip.com/new-zealand/northland-campervan-rental-holiday/
