Rawene

Rawene is a town in Hokianga, New Zealand. It is the third-oldest European settlement in New Zealand.

Understand

It is a picturesque village on a peninsula jutting into the Hokianga Harbour, about half-way up the harbour. It is known as the town where the sun both rises and sets. Dolphins and orca are often seen here, sometimes following the ferry that crosses the harbour to Kohukohu.

Get in

• From the south, approach on SH12, then turn onto Rawene Road and drive 6 km north.
• From the north, take the vehicle ferry across the harbour from the terminal near Kohukohu. The ferry is hourly in each direction, except that there are additional services early morning, and at peak periods a shuttle service operates. Timetable.

See

• 1 Clendon House, 14 Parnell Street (enter from Clendon Esplanade), ☏ +64 9 405-7874. 10AM-4PM. Nov-Apr, Sa-Su; May-Oct Su; summer & Easter, Th-M. The house of Captain James Clendon, completed in 1869.  
• 2 Mangrove Boardwalk, 33 Clendon Esplanade. Access from Clendon Esplanade. 

Do

Take a walk along Rawene's streets, using the free guide and map obtainable at most outlets.

Tide permitting, there is a small beach beyond the Boatshed Cafe on Clendon Esplanade. You can launch a canoe or small boat from the ramp. Take care of the river current.

Buy

• Rawene Market, first Sunday of the month at the Town Hall
• Craftwork, artwork and books by local authors at the Boatshed Cafe.
• Groceries, wine and beer at the Four Square Store & Post Shop.
• Fruit, meat, vegetables and lunch at Wardy's.
• Medical supplies at Rawene Pharmacy.
• Petrol, diesel, tyres and service at Rawene Service Station.

Eat

• 1 Boatshed Cafe, 8 Clendon Place. Built on piles over the harbour. 
• Hokianga Takeaways. Fish 'n chips and other takeaway food (updated Oct 2018)

Drink

• 1 Masonic Hotel. The historic hotel built 1875. 
• Wardy's. (updated Oct 2018)

Sleep

• 1 Rawene Holiday Park (Rawene Motorcamp), 1 Marmon Street West, ☏ +64 9 405 7720, fax: +64 9 405 7401, info@raweneholidaypark.co.nz. A variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from tents to cabins. (updated Mar 2017)
• 2 The Postmasters Boutique Hotel, ☏ +64 9 405 7676. Above the ferry landing. Extensive decks look out over 3 sides of the Hokianga Harbour. Elegant ambience and warm hospitality. 

Go next

• Take the ferry to Kohukohu.
• Drive east to Waima Valley or west to Koutu and Opononi.