Things to Do in Dargaville

• Waipoua Forest
  The largest remaining stand of Kauri forest, Waipoua contains the nation's largest tree – Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), which is thought to be about 2000 years old. Other walks lead to Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), which has the widest girth of any kauri in New Zealand – more than 5m.
• Trounson Kauri Park
  Some 40km north of Dargaville, this 575ha kauri tree reserve offers night-time guided tours by the Department of Conservation. Weta, kiwi, possums, birdlife and glow worms can be seen. A 30min walk from the parking area leads through forest to the Four Sisters – two trees with double trunks.
• Kai Iwi Lakes
  A beauty spot 34km north of Dargaville, these deep blue lakes, with their white sand beaches, are popular for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing and trout fishing. A walk (3hrs return) leads to Maunganui Bluff on the coast.
• Baylys Beach
  A holiday resort 12km west of Dargaville, on Ripiro Beach, offering surfing, walking, land yachting, swimming, fishing and horse treks.
• The Kauri Museum
  45km south of Dargaville, this award-winning museum focuses on the role the kauri played in shaping the lives of Northland's pioneer gum diggers and loggers.
• Hokianga Harbour
  Located at a 1.5hr drive north of Dargaville, this historic harbour has massive sand dunes up to 170m high.
• Kaipara Harbour & Wairoa River
  This comparatively shallow harbour offers good fishing. The historic Te Aroha, a Kauri schooner, offers cruises on the harbour, and there are jetboating tours down the Wairoa River, which flows into the harbour's northern arm.
• The Woodturners Studio & Gallery
  This kauri gallery and working studio offers wood art and woodturning tuition.
• Northern Wairoa Golf Club
  Improve your handicap on the 18-hole golf course at Northern Wairoa Golf Club.
• Ripiro Ocean Beach
  New Zealand's longest driveable beach at 100km.