Kauri Coast Part 3

Kauri Coast Part 3

ForestsWalksBeaches
Mike Bilodeau
Mike Bilodeau
Jun 3, 2025

Welcome to our third post on the Kauri Coast. You can also read our earlier posts on the Kauri Coast at If Trees Could Speak and Kauri Coast Part 1

Trounson Kauri Park

After a cosy night in Kai Iwi Lakes, a short loop walk amongst ancient growth was a fantastic start to the day. The DOC campsite and the potential of seeing Kiwi at night were tempting, but our next stop beckoned.

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Waipoua Forest

The further we drove in, the more dramatic it got. Giant Kauri lined the winding road, transporting us into an ancient world as we made our way to the campsite.

First, we visited Te Matua Ngahere. The looping track from the car through the forest was stunning on its own, but arriving at this enormous ancient Kauri brought a whole new dimension to the experience.

We only had a short walk from the next car park to see Tane Mahuta. The approach may not have been as long, but the experience was no less spectacular. Standing before these majestic Kauri trees, one can't help but feel humbled and filled with awe.

It had been an eventful day, and we crawled into bed, buzzing with excitement. Despite that and the anticipation of more salt and sand the following morning, it didn't take long for us to fall asleep.

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Waimamaku Beach

Separate to Ripiro and also known as Kaikai Beach, this fabulous surf beach north of Waipoua Forest has a lagoon beside it that's sandy and deep enough to swim in. And we did precisely that after walking a small part of the Waimamaku Coastal Track, which can be followed right to Hokianga Harbour. We felt refreshed after a quick dip before heading to another watery spot.

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Waiotemarama Waterfall

If an unspoiled rainforest filled with Tawa and Taraire, lichen, mosses and ferns isn't breathtaking enough, you can imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon this twenty-metre-high waterfall spilling from the Waiotemarama Stream Gorge down through the Waimā Forest. We had a blast clambering over boulders and exploring the pool below the thunderous waterfall. We could have spent the rest of the day there were our trip not coming to an end.

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Hokianga Harbour

We didn't have far to go once we exited the forest. Before we knew it, we arrived in Hokianga, a far north settlement rich in history and culture. It was the end of our journey along the Kauri Coast.

A hint of nostalgia lingered as we gazed out over the harbour. We'd experienced a lot in only a few days, yet we never felt rushed due to the short distances we travelled from place to place. It was the perfect getaway. One we'll never forget and highly recommend.

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Tempting, isn't it? Go for it! The Kauri Coast is waiting for you.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our Kauri Coast adventure. Our next destination isn't far away, so stay tuned!

Mike Bilo



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