Come up to the mighty Kaipara Harbour

36°9'42.908''S 174°13'27.213''E

Kaipara Harbour

Lose yourself in Nz’s Biggest Natural Harbour

Kaipara Harbour is a place that gets under your skin. With over 3,000 kilometres of meandering shoreline, it is New Zealand’s largest natural harbour, rich in Māori history and cultural significance, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque townships. Golden sandbanks appear and disappear with the ebb and flow of the tides, and the vast network of inlets, estuaries, and tidal flats create an ever changing landscape. The air smells of salt and adventure - a reminder that some places are meant to be felt, not just seen.

Man standing on the beach holding two large fish, smiling at the camera.

Fishing Heaven

Kaipara Harbour offers top-tier fishing for snapper, gurnard, kahawai and kingfish, with prime spots in estuaries, deep channels and Ripiro Beach. Ideal for boat, surfcasting, and net fishing, the best seasons are spring to autumn. Caution is needed at the Kaipara Bar, and sustainable fishing practices are essential.

A small, Victorian-style house with a gabled roof, white siding, and green and peach trim. It has two tall, narrow windows with stained glass on either side of a front door with an arched window above. There is a garden with bushes and flowers in front.

Harbour History

Kaipara Harbour has a rich history, once a key Māori settlement and trade route for Te Uri o Hau. In the 19th century, it became a hub for timber and kauri gum exports. Its treacherous sandbar has caused over 150 shipwrecks, making it one of New Zealand’s most dangerous maritime zones.

Aerial view of a large river flowing through lush green hills with small residential houses and boats docked along the shoreline.

HIGHLIGHTS

Townships on the harbour

The northern shores of Kaipara Harbour are dotted with small, historic townships rich in character and natural beauty. Tinopai, Kellys Bay, Aratapu, Te Kōpuru are beautiful quiet coastal communities offering a mix of history, fishing, and rural charm - perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life.