life in peaceful townships

35°22'12.81''S 173°52'54.782''E

Maungatūroto

tranquil and characterful

Living in the smaller towns around Kaipara - like Tinopai, Pahi, Maungatūroto and Paparoa - offers a peaceful lifestyle deeply connected to nature and close-knit communities. In Tinopai, families enjoy harbour views, fishing and quiet coastal living. Maungatūroto has a strong community spirit with local cafés, weekend markets, and excellent schools. Paparoa blends rural charm with creativity, hosting art events and community gatherings. Life in these towns is unhurried, neighbourly, and grounded - where people know each other by name, kids play freely, and daily life is enriched by the beautiful landscapes of Kaipara.

A coastal town with numerous sailboats anchored in a calm bay, surrounded by green hills and a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a small rural town with a mix of commercial buildings, residential homes, winding roads, green fields, and a small creek.
A serene harbor scene with boats docked along wooden piers on calm water under a partly cloudy sky, with green hills and houses in the background.
Group of people planting young plants in a field during a sunny day.
A concrete pier extending over water toward a white boathouse, with green hills and houses in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Children playing soccer on a grassy field with small goal nets and spectators in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

wonderful people, connected communities

What makes the small communities of Kaipara so special is the way they feel like home the moment you arrive. There’s a quiet magic in knowing your neighbours, in waving to familiar faces at the local store, in kids growing up with space to roam and freedom to explore. Life here isn’t rushed - it’s real. People look out for each other. Stories are shared over fences, and traditions are passed down with pride. The heart of Kaipara is in its people - and that’s what makes it so special.

Experiences you can’t miss

  • Colorful, whimsical building with sculpted walls, vibrant windows, and artistic murals depicting jungle animals and trees, against a blue sky.

    Eutopia Cafe - Kaiwaka

    Eutopia Cafe is magical must see. Reminiscent of the 1986 classic movie, Labyrinth, this mosaic lined cafe offers something new with each visit. Choose a little nook for lunch or spread out in the courtyard. The staff know your name, the portions are generous, and there’s a sense of community poured into every coffee. It’s proper local food - fresh, honest, and reliably good.

  • Two people paddling in a kayak on a lake with a forested hillside and partly cloudy sky in the background.

    fun on the harbour

    When the tide’s right, locals are out on the harbour - launching boats at Kellys Bay, casting lines off the wharf at Pouto, or paddleboarding in the calm shallows near Tinopai. Kids spend hours jumping off jetties, digging for pipi, or swimming until the sun dips low. Some head out early for a fish, others just park up and watch the water. The harbour is beautiful, peaceful, and always there when you need to reset.

  • Smiling woman standing behind a counter at a cafe or bakery, with baked goods on display inside a glass case and a selection of bottled beverages on top. Chalkboard menu visible on the wall behind her.

    Ollie's Cafe - Maungatūroto

    Ollies Café is the spot you go when you want a proper coffee and something made with care. Right in the heart of town - locals pop in for brunch, a catch-up, or just to read the paper in peace. The cabinet’s always full of fresh baking, and the menu hits all the right notes—think eggs on toast, loaded sammies, and really good slices.

Group of children sitting around a table, drawing and writing on a large sheet of paper with colorful markers.

Freedom to live life your own way

Life in the small townships of Kaipara is shaped by self-reliance, creativity, and a strong sense of community pride. Locals take initiative - whether running small businesses, growing their own food, or lending a hand when needed. It’s a great place for children to grow up, with open spaces, safe streets, and a lifestyle that encourages adventure and independence. Each township has its own unique character, but all are united by a shared spirit of individuality, where people value authenticity, simplicity, and the freedom to live life their own way.

An older man with gray hair, wearing a gray beanie, navy sweatshirt, gray pants, and black boots, smiling while standing on a concrete path by the water. He is holding a leash attached to a brown and white puppy sitting beside him. The background shows a harbor with boats and a cloudy sky.

MEET THE LOCALS

LIFE ON THE HARBOUR

The Kaipara Harbour is the heart of the district — vast, wild, and deeply woven into the everyday lives of those who call this place home. Locals know its moods, its tides, its secret fishing spots that have been passed down like heirlooms. More than just a harbour, it’s a source of kai, connection, and identity.