Hokianga and Kauri Coast

SH12 is 217 km from Ōhaeawai through Kaikohe to the Hokianga Harbour, then south past Opononi and through Waipoua Forest to Dargaville and the Brynderwyn Hills. It's a quieter alternative to SH1 with big kauri, sand dunes and harbour views. Works as a one- or two-day trip.

The stops

1. Start

   Ōhaeawai

2. Town

   Kaikohe

   Town on the road west

3. Viewpoint

   Hokianga Harbour

   Wide harbour with sand dunes on the north shore

4. Beach

   Opononi

   Harbour village with dolphin statue

5. Nature

   Waipoua Forest

   Largest remaining kauri forest in Northland

6. Town

   Dargaville

   Kauri museum and Kaipara coast

7. Viewpoint

   Brynderwyn

   Hilly end of the route rejoining SH1

8. Finish

   Brynderwyn

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Opononi

  Opononi Holiday Park

• Night 2

  Dargaville

  Dargaville Holiday Park

When to go

Year round; summer for swimming

On the road

Winding forest sections. Fuel in Kaikohe and Dargaville.