Exploring Wairere Heights: A Unique Farm Stay in Hokianga
Wairere Heights is a distinctive farm stay located on Horeke Road in the remote Hokianga region of New Zealand. This area is known for its steep, rugged terrain, with a mix of exotic pines and regenerating native forest. The farm, purchased by Irina MacDonald and her mother Nina, offers a unique experience with its focus on bees and honey-based products. Accommodation pods near the hilltop provide stunning views to the north and west, and guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the hosts or use the cooking facilities available.
Discover the Farm and Forest
As a working farm, Wairere Heights is home to various animals, including a notably friendly pig. However, the highlight for many is a guided walk through the forest with Irina. The forest features mature trees that survived initial logging, supporting regrowth dominated by puriri, rimu, kahikatea, tōtara, nīkau, and occasional kauri. Early regrowth species such as kānuka and mānuka are also present.
The forest's beauty is complemented by its geological history, with eroded basalt rock formations from ancient volcanic eruptions. These formations are particularly evident at Wairere Boulders, located 4 km north of Wairere Heights. Within the forest, large rocks and boulders display unique erosion patterns known as fluting, created over millennia by acidic rainwater mixing with plant-produced acids.
How to Get There
Wairere Heights is accessible via Horeke Road, which connects State Highway 12 to Wairere Boulders and the historic sites of Horeke and Mangungu Mission. The road starts as a sealed route following the Taheke River valley but transitions into a narrow, winding metal road through steep hills on the harbour's south side. The farm stay is clearly signposted about 10 km along Horeke Road. Nearby, you can explore the fascinating Wairere Boulders and the historic sites of Horeke and Mangungu Mission for a deeper understanding of the area's rich history.
