Hokianga Harbour in all its glory
Omapere & Opononi there are plenty of things to do.
Omapere offers an outstanding start to your New Zealand adventure. Discover the extraordinary sight of immense folded sand dunes towering above the Hokianga Harbour greeting visitors on arrival in Ompere and Opononi. The small settlements are located on the northern head of the harbour. Join Awesome Adventures Hokianga for one of their magical tours, find the hidden gems with a local on a jet ski, stand-up paddle board or kayak. Your adventure, your way with the locals.
Explore a walking track that leads to a former signal station on Arai Te Uru, the south head. Cruise to the sand dunes and try sand boarding or take a walk on the beach between Koutu and Kauwhare where you will find the Koutu Boulders, one of the Hokianga’s best-kept secrets.
WHAT TO DO IN OMAPERE & OPONONI, HIGHLIGHTS
- Quinessential summer beach holidays were born in Opononi and nearby Omapere, zoom across to sand board the dunes, lazily swim in the harbour, fish from the wharf and walk the numerous tracks following the footsteps of people who lived in the area hundreds of years ago
- Join Awesome Adventures Hokianga for one of their magical tours, find the hidden gems with a local
- Explore nearby Rawene and its historic Clendon House
- Immerse yourself in the story of Kupe at Manea Footprints of Kupe a Maori cultural centre narrating the legends and stories of Kupe through 4D visual experience.
There are over ten places of interest to visit nearby from Koutu boulders Tane, a kauri forest giant in Waipoua Forest, catch the ferry on a day trip to Kohukohu, home to a lively community of artists and craftspeople. The town buildings are bright, cheerful and festooned with window flower boxes, gardens full of oaks, willows and laden lemon trees.
OMAPERE & OPONONI’S FAME
- Opo the wild dolphin who decided to visit the harbour over several summers who became famous for his endearing antics. She was featured on television and became a famous national icon.
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELIFIE IN OMAPERE & OPONONI
- Backdrop of Opo the dolphin statute
- Footsteps of Kupe entrance with the stunning carved poles (pou whenua)
- Yourself sand boarding into the harbour
OMAPERE & OPONONI FOR KIDS
- Quad biking (Awesome Adventures tour) on a dual quad bike over the sand dunes
- Safe harbour and estuary summer water sports
- Rawene puzzle shop for something to do when it rains
- Rawene ferry ride
BEST TIME TO VISIT OMAPERE & OPONONI
- Year round (summer is the peak season
OMAPERE & OPONONI’S SOCIAL MEDIA
FESTIVALS IN OMAPERE & OPONONI
- Horse racing on the beach, December 31st. Horse Races on the Beach, Pawarenga.
- February 12th. Hokianga Treaty Day, Mangungu Mission, Horeke
- Fishing festival, competition in January
- Hoki-fest wine, food and music (Copthorne Hotel)
WEATHER IN OMAPERE & OPONONI
OMAPERE & OPONONI’S POPULATION
- 678 Opononi / 275 Omapere
WHAT MAKES OMAPERE & OPONONI TICK?
Tourism, small dairy farms, unemployment is an issue in the Hokianga.
JUDGMENT ON OMAPERE & OPONONI
- Summer magic
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Far North & Northland Region nearby attractions and events.
WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED OMAPERE & OPONONI?
Hokianga is considered to be one of the oldest settlements for the Māori, and is still a heartland for the people. Rahiri, the 17th century founder of the Ngapuhi iwi, was born at Whiria pa to the south of the harbour, where a monument stands to his memory.
In this process of expansion the Ngapuhi created and maintained over centuries a complex network of walking tracks, many of which evolved into today’s roads. Wesleyan and later Anglican missionaries were guided along these ancient routes to make their own discovery of Hokianga and its accessible timber resources.
The harbour’s full name, Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe – the final departure place of Kupe (for Hawaiki) – recognises its association with the famous Polynesian explorer. Hokianga has a long Māori history, and a strong Ngāpuhi presence today.
Need an accomodation place in Omapere or Opononi?
Waipoua forest – Omapere to Opononi, where to stay
Waipoua Forest with its stupendous kauri forest is one of New Zealand top nature destinations. The magnificent kauri is ancient, living a life over 1000 years in the making.
Book now @Opononi Lighthouse Motel @Opononi Lighthouse Motel @Opononi Lighthouse Motel @Opononi Lighthouse MotelBEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE