Travel Guide New Zealand: Kauri Coast

The Kauri Coast is a region on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, stretching from Pouto up to Whangape Harbour. The coast owes its name to the Kauri tree, the largest native tree in the country which occurs in huge, ancient forests spread across the northern districts of the island.

When travelling the Kauri Coast, you’ll come across several of these impressive forests with the Waipoua Forest being home to the oldest remaining Kauri trees, one over 2,000 years in age. But also the region’s beaches, river landscapes and interesting cultural history leave visitors in awe. The Kauri Coast is definitely a breathtaking place to visit on a trip to beautiful New Zealand.

Profile

Name
Kauri Coast

Location
The Kauri Coast stretches from Pouto / the city of Brynderwyn to Whangape Habour in the northern part of New Zealand's
North Island

Length
approx. 150 km

Animals
Birds such as the kiwi, kea or kakapo as well as sea lions and dolphins off the coast

Best travel time
December to February

Highlights
Hokianga Habour, Waipoua Forest, Kauri Museum

Visiting the Kauri Coast

Location, geography and climate

The Kauri Coast is located on the northern peninsula of New Zealand's North Island and stretches 150 km between the town of Brynderwyn and the natural harbour of Whangape Habour. It can be reached after a 1 1/2-hour drive from Auckland.

The region of the Kauri Coast is mainly characterised by clear freshwater lakes. Along the coast you will find long beaches and beautiful coastal sections. Since New Zealand was formed by a plate shift and was enormously eroded by the ocean, the islands of New Zealand almost disappeared into the ocean. But a new plate collision between the Pacific and the Australian plate caused a new upheaval of rock material which created the islands as they are today. Especially in the area of the Kauri Coast, shallow natural harbours and lakes were formed, as the regions that are not directly affected by the plate collision were flooded and partly inundated.

New Zealand is not subject to strong temperature differences during the change of seasons. While the average temperature in summer is between 20°C and 25°C, in winter it is usually between 12°C and 16°C. In the New Zealand winter, i.e. between June and August, there is considerably more precipitation than in summer.

Flora and fauna

The flora of the Kauri Coast is a highlight for all plant lovers. The Kauri Coast is named after the huge Kauri trees growing there. These can reach an incredible size of 50 m height and 15 m circumference! Therefore, they are sometimes called Kauri Giants. But also the region’s other plants and trees, especially the wild flowers, are an eye-catcher in any case.

The animal world of the Kauri Coast is also quite interesting. Here you can observe the nocturnal national bird of the country, the kiwi. The kiwi feels particularly at home in the forests of the Kauri Coast. The rest of the ornithological world of New Zealand also has a lot to offer. Rare birds like the Kaka and Kea can be observed. Along the coast you can also find sea lions and various species of dolphins.

Highlights

Hokianga Habour

Hokianga Habour is a natural harbour on the west coast which is especially known for its remoteness and pristine nature. The natural harbour basin was created by the erosion of the riverbed of a large primeval river which was washed out by sea water. Hokianga also has a special spiritual meaning for the Maori people. According to the saga, a Polynesian hero named Kupe set off on a journey from the mystical Maori country of origin, Hawaiki, to hunt an octopus off the coast of New Zealand. After he succeeded, he started his victorious journey home from Hokainga Habour which made the port a legendary pilgrimage city for a long time.

Waipoua Forest

Waipoua Forest is one of the most pristine forests in the Northland region of New Zealand's North Island. It is home to the famous Kauri trees, also known as Kauri Giants. These gigantic trees are the landmark of the region and have a trunk diameter of 1m to 4m. The Kauri trees also play an important role in Maori mythology. Thus, the efforts to replant the tree on Maori land are also increasing.

Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum is an real highlight for anyone interested in New Zealand's history. The focus of the exhibitions are the Kauri trees as well as fossils that were found in them. An important part of the exhibition also deals with New Zealand's pioneer era as well as the first contacts between Maori and white pioneers. The Kauri Museum is located in Matakohe, a small town about 1 ½ hours driving time from Auckland.