Discover Hokianga and Tane Mahuta

Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of the Hokianga. Learn its history and here local stories & legends.

Journey back to an era of horse 'n' cart, a time when kauri logging and gum digging were the main industries, and the region was being settled by missionaries and the first Europeans. From Paihia to Hokianga you travel the path of many before you, along the old stagecoach route, a trail originally marked out by early Maori and then frequented by traders and merchants who transported supplies, kauri, gum and timber between the coasts during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Uncover 2.8 million year old geological rock formations as you wind along the walkways of the unique Wairere Boulder Valley. View thousands of massive basalt boulders, some over 30m high.

Through the stories and culture of your local Maori guide, we take you back to the days of Kupe, believed to be the first voyager and Maori to discover New Zealand over 1,000 years ago. Gain a unique and in-depth understanding of the many myths and legends of the local hapu (sub-tribe).

The WaipouaKauriForest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. Meet a national icon, the mighty Tane Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world. Estimated to be 2,000 years old his mighty girth is over 13 metres and he stands an impressive 51 metres tall.

• Follow the original stagecoach trail
• Visit the Wairere boulders
• Meet Tane Mahuta, a 51 metre tall kauri tree, estimated to be 2,000 years old
• Learn the history & culture of the region

The History...

The Hokianga harbour is generally accepted as being the home of Kupe the very first voyager, and Maori, to discover New Zealand approximately 1,000 years ago. Later some of the earliest European settlers came to Hokianga and small communities were formed. These are amongst the oldest European settlements in New Zealand.