Visit Dargaville, a pleasant town named for a 19th-century politician and timber tradesman. It has a long and intriguing history revolving around Māori communities and trade. Stroll along the grassy banks of the Wairoa River and enjoy the serenity in this picturesque bucolic haven.
To get an understanding of the area’s past and development, look around the Dargaville Museum Te Whare Taonga Tuna Tahi. It covers an extensive history, from the waka watercrafts of the Māori through to the shipwrecks, gum-digging trade and many other important aspects of the local culture. Watch the explanatory video and move through the exhibits to see the collections of historic relics.
Look back at how trains changed the face of the region at the Dargaville Rail Tours and take a trip along the old-world railway lines.
Check out the colorful works on display at the Mandy Wood Stained Glass and Art Gallery. You can also learn a new trade at the Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio.
Relax in Northern Wairoa Memorial Park and study the plaque devoted to those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near the river. Try the sweet potato that is cultivated in the region and served as kumara.
For a change of scenery, travel west to the rugged rocks of the Kauri Coast. Sunbathe on sandy Baylys Beach, which is backed by picturesque bluffs.
Find the town in the heart of the Kaipara District in the northern reaches of the North Island of New Zealand. Drive north from Auckland 108 miles (174 kilometers) to get here in 2 to 3 hours. Continue travelling north to the tip of the island to reach Cape Reinga, with its scenic surrounding beaches and coastal landmarks.
Dargaville offers a quiet riverside retreat, a short distance from the Kauri Coast.
