Rawene

Quirky Rawene, departure point for Hokianga ferry and home of The Boat Shed Cafe.  Allow several hours to amble around Rawene, popping into the local cafe / art gallery, the puzzle shop and simply walking around the town absorbing the sense of community.  There is a wetland mangrove boardwalk just a short walk from Clendon House well worth a detour. Rawene is home to Clendon House, a pretty cottage, built in the bustling 1860s by James Clendon, a trader, shipowner and magistrate. After his death, his 34-year-old Māori widow Jane was left with fourteen children and an enormous debt of £5000. Nothing like determination and an entrepreneurial spirit. Jane managed to clear the debt and her descendants remained in the house until 1972.

Read more about TOP-10 Northland Mission Stations, trip guide, what to see: Best Bits.