Kaitaia

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Kaitaia Regional Information

Kaitaia is New Zealand's northernmost town, situated at the base of the Aupouri Peninsula, about 160 kilometres from Whangarei.

The township was established as a Maori settlement as early as 1832, growing in the 1880's and 1890's with the explosion of the kauri gum digging industry throughout Northland. The Far North Regional Museum contains relics from the Kauri industry, along with Maori artifacts, information on the region's pioneering history, early photographs and a full moa skeleton. Today, Kaitaia is a farming centre, operating as the base for sheep, cattle and dairy farmers. Its fertile soil also makes it an area well suited to the planting of vineyards and orchards.

Another significant industry in the town is tourism: Kaitaia is a great base from which to explore the Far North region, including the famous Ninety Mile Beach. This driveable beach is 100 kilometres in length, featuring an open stretch of sand against a dune and scrubland backdrop. Tours are available, taking visitors along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach, up to Cape Reinga. For adventure seekers, quad bike tours and sand dune tobogganing options are offered on some tours. If you prefer, you can drive yourself the distance to the most northern point of New Zealand, where the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

After traveling the length of Ninety Mile Beach, you will reach Cape Reinga, a rugged area featuring spectacular sea views from the Cape and from the historic Cape Reinga lighthouse. For Maori, the point is significant as marking the point at which the spirits of the dead depart.

Other attractions in Kaitaia include Sullivan's Nocturnal Park, featuring a glowworm cave and kiwi which visitors can view via bush walks and night tours; the Te Wero Nui Trust, an outlet where Maori arts and crafts are sold, and where visitors can take part in cultural activities such as bone carving and weaving; and Okahu Estate, the most northern winery in the country.

Navigate with our great Kaitaia map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Kaitaia weather.

For more information on Kaitaia, visit Destination Northland or the Te Ara Encyclopedia.