Come up FOR NATURE’S PLAYGROUND

35°55'12.442''S 173°50'10.686''E

Kaihu Valley Trail

OUTDOOR FUN FOR THE YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART

Tee off at a picturesque Kaipara golf course, or catch the perfect wave on one of our surf-friendly beaches. For fishing and diving enthusiasts, the Kaipara Harbour and surrounding coastal waters are teeming with opportunities to reel in your next big catch or explore underwater treasures. Take in the region’s natural beauty on a cliff top walk, or bring the family to the award-winning Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ), where skateboarding, biking, and adventure await. Whatever your passion, Kaipara has the perfect activity to keep you entertained.

A golf course at sunset with a clubhouse and sand trap in the foreground, trees along the horizon, and the sun shining brightly with lens flare.

Golfer’s Mecca

The east coast is a golfer’s mecca, with Mangawhai the perfect staging point for world class courses just across the border at Te Arai Links and Tara Iti, and challenging local courses with views to-die-for at Mangawhai and around the corner at Waipu. As you cruise west you’ll find lovely, welcoming rural courses at Paparoa and Northern Wairoa.

Several surfers and paddleboarders in the ocean near a shoreline with cliffs, with waves coming in.

Surfer’s Dream

Whether you’ve always wanted to learn, or already live for surfing, the beginner breaks on Mangawhai surf beach and the more challenging Mangawhai bar offer something for every level. Or are you brave enough to paddle out into the wild west coast waters of Baylys Beach? On a good day, Ripiro Beach is great for beginners.

Silhouette of a person fishing in the ocean at sunset.

Fishing Paradise

Bucket-list snapper abound in the vast waters and hidden corners of Kaipara Harbour. The west coast is a haven for the keen surfcaster, while the world class fishing grounds of Bream Bay in the east attract fisherman from all over New Zealand. Launch your boat from one of many sheltered boat ramps or find a quiet spot on the beaches and rocks of our rugged coastline.

A scuba diver swimming underwater near rocks with sunlight beams streaming down from above, and a small fish in the distance.

Diving Wonderland

Whether you love diving for kai, or prefer to look but not touch, we’re surrounded by an abundant marine paradise in Kaipara. Grab your mask, snorkel and fins and dive into the clear blue waters - you never know what you might find.

Experiences you can’t miss

A man hiking on a dirt trail through a forested area with trees and bushes, leading to a view of water and a partly cloudy sky in the distance.

Walking Adventures

With windswept beaches full of nature’s energy, cliff top walks that offer breathtaking views, and native bush tracks that showcase New Zealand as it’s supposed to be, Kaipara has walking experiences for everyone. The high dunes of Baylys Beach and clifftops above Mangawhai are wild and rugged while the Tanekaha tracks and Mataia Homestead trail offer circular loops surrounded by native bush.

A large crowd of people gathered around an empty skateboarding bowl at an outdoor event from an aerial view. There are tents, umbrellas, and pathways surrounding the area.

Skating & Scooting

Are you brave enough to drop in? One of New Zealand’s biggest and best public skate parks lies at the heart of the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ), and plays host to world class skaters and the most incredible family of shredders every February at Bowl Bash - New Zealand’s largest skating event.

A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a forest, wearing a helmet and gloves.

Biking & Cycle Trails

Rip it up on the MAZ mountain biking trails and pump tracks or head up to the amazing private tracks just before Langs Beach. If you’re looking for something more sedate and scenic, the Kaihu Valley Trail is a scenic 40km cycling track following the historic rail corridor from Dargaville.

Children playing on a colorful playground under large green shade sails in a park with trees and blue sky in the background.

Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ)

Hands down one of the best free parks in New Zealand, MAZ is the ultimate recreational zone for young kids and teenagers alike. Funded entirely by community donations and created by the hard work of a few passionate locals who love to see young people have fun!

Colorful mosaic and painted mural interior with blue seating around a black table

MEET THE LOCALS

The eutopia of cafes

Read about the iconic Eutopia Cafe in Kaiwaka, serving up great food, coffee and magical whimsy in their mosaic lined cafe and courtyard.