Waima Valley

Waima Valley is a series of little settlements in the Hokianga.

Get in

From the east: You get into the Waima Valley coming from Kaikohe driving west on State Highway 12 (SH 12). You arrive at the first settlement Taheke after 18 km. From there the valley stretches over 17 km to the turn off on SH 12 to Rawene.

From the west: Leaving from Opononi you reach the turn off to Rawene after 17 km. Keep on SH12 and the Waima Valley starts after passing over the first hill.

From the north: Coming from Ahipara or Kaitaia you drive South on SH 1, 67 km from Kaitaia to reach the turn off in Rangiahau which is just a junction. Follow the signs to Horeke and continue over the road to Taheke.

Get around

There is no public transport in the Waima Valley.

See

The Tuhirangi Marae and Waima School, directly opposite Waima lodge, are nestled at the base of the sacred, native forest covered slopes of the Waima Ranges. This ancient rainforest covers the entire range of high country between Waima and the Waipoua forest through which you have traveled. These mountains are the highest point of Northland at 780 m and they dominate the scene as you enter the Waima river valley. The forest park is accessible through a series of tramping tracks suitable for experienced trampers with a good level of fitness and experience. The great attraction of this region is the unique flora & fauna with plants such as the Coprosma Waima, which was discovered in the 1980s, and rare native birds such as the Kokako and Brown Kiwi.

The Waima & Waipoua forest is the last untouched remnant of the great forest that once covered the entire country north of Auckland!

Home to a subtribe of the Ngapuhi who call themselves Mahurehure, the people of Waima have occupied the fertile Waima river valley since its discovery by Kupe the great Polynesian navigator over 1200 years ago.

Do

Waima Lodge Heritage Garden is beautifully planted with an astonishing variety of subtropical plants, fruit and nut trees. The beautiful Waima River flows through the property and features a safe swimming hole. There is a unique guided river walk that takes you high into the Waima Forest, historic, secluded, magnificent. Enquire at Waima Lodge info@waimalodge.co.nz

Eat

Goldfish Corner store at the corner of SH 12 and Waima Valley Road. Heather and Daniel provide very good takeaway meals, and the usual array of good counter foods and fresh real coffee

Drink

The Taheke Tavern is 6 km east of Waima Lodge on SH 12. This classic New Zealand pub was built in the days of the kauri gum industry in the 1880s.

Sleep

• Waima Lodge, 2465 SH 12 (in the middle of the settlement, north side of the road, look out for two huge Phoenix palms), ☏ +64 9 405 3808, kaurispring@xtra.co.nz. Intimate luxury boutique lodge. $340 per night for two in summer, $220 winter (includes full breakfast for couple); NZ$190 per night - per single includes full breakfast. 

Go next

Horeke, Rawene and Opononi, all on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour.