Dargaville NZ
Art & Entertainment
Circus Kumarani
A community-based organisation using circus, creativity and social arts to promote wellness and build connections.
We love getting all ages and abilities involved in circus arts and our circus community. We do this by teaching classes, holiday programs and hosting and performing at events. Everyone is welcome! One of our key focuses is being accessible to people with disabilities. Circus offers a wide range of opportunities that allow anyone to find an area of skills to enjoy! Our team of professionals create stunning community, corporate and private performances, as well as specialised workshops and events. We are based in Dargaville, Noprthalnd and are one of the longest running circus communities in NZ, established in 2003.
Mobile: 0210 288 0329 | Email: admin@circuskumarani.co.nz | Address: 15 Onslow St, Dargaville | More info: Great Fun While Learning Great Skills - Something for all ages
Function Centres & Venues
Dargaville Aero Club
The Dargaville Aero Club is situated on the banks of the Northern Wairoa River just south of the town of Dargaville. It has a strong membership and an airfield which has a 1000 metre limestone all weather strip and a grass runway during the summer months.
The club offers PPL training with a B Cat Instructor and has 4 recreational instructors offering free instruction and theory tuition.
Club day is every Saturday where a lunch is served come rain or shine. Visitors are most welcome and there are no landing fees for visiting pilots.
To keep up to date with the club’s events see us on Facebook.
Contact person: Rebecca Davidson | Phone: 09 439 8024 | Address: Hoanga Road, Dargaville
Sport
Dargaville Bowling Club
Social club for outdoor bowling for both men and women. Clubrooms / hall available for hire - fully equipped kitchen at extra cost.
Contact person: Margaret Smitton | Phone: 09-439 8136 | Email: bowlsdargaville@xtra.co.nz | Address: 3 Parore St, Dargaville 0340
Water
Dargaville Wharf & Riverside
Located on one of the original wharf sites in Dargaville, this recent structure allows you to enjoy the view of the Northern Wairoa River in rain and shine.
The pathway from the band rotunda to the Northern Wairoa Boating Club is now complete with seating and tables scattered along the riverside for you to picnic and enjoy the views out over the river.
Contact person: KDC & Regional Council | Address: Lower Hokianga Rd, Dargaville
History
Dargaville Museum
The Dargaville Museum sits on a hill overlooking Dargaville township and the Northern Wairoa River. The views are stunning and the collections within the Museum walls are unexpected.
The history of the Northern Wairoa area is on display here with specialised displays including the gumdigging era, a collection of piano accordians, a vast array of maritime artifacts some from the many ships wrecked on the Kaipara Bar or Ripiro Beach and interesting stories of the town and its people.
Contact person: Christine Johnstone | Phone: 09 439 7555 | Email: info@dargavillemuseum.co.nz | Address: Pou tu te Rangi/Harding Park | More info: November to March 9 am to 5 pm, April to October 9 am to 4 pm Only closed Christmas Day
Art & Entertainment
Anzac Theatre
Our awesome theatre has the latest movies on show. Why not have dinner and stroll up the hill to the ANZAC Theatre or see a movie first before having a meal in town.
Check out what is on at the movies this week at the Anzac Theatre here
Phone: 09 439 8997 | Email: info@anzactheatre.co.nz | Address: Hokianga Road, Dargaville
Sport
Northern Wairoa Golf Club
A real gem of a Golf Course, not far from Dargaville at Baylys Beach. Easy walking and well maintained 18 holes that has something to offer for any golfer of any level. Sea views from some holes. Honesty box for green fees.
Phone: 09 439 6599 | Email: northernwairoa@xtra.co.nz | Address: 819 Baylys Coast Road, Baylys Beach , Dargaville 0377
Water
Ripiro Beach
Ripiro Beach stretches from Manganui Bluff to Pouto Point - that's 107 km of magnificent coastline to explore. Whether a history buff, a keen geologist, a sun worshipper or a fisher person, you will be in awe of the beauty of Ripiro Beach.
Discover hidden gullies, explore sand dunes and sand stone cliffs, walk the windswept beach, and enjoy the flotsam and jetsam along the way. A beach with plenty of room for everyone and every activity.
Ripiro Beach can be accessed by the public at Pouto Point, Glinks Gully, Baylys Beach/Chases Gorge, Omamari, and Aranga. Please note that Mahuta Gap is closed for accessing Ripiro Beach due to storm damage.
History
Butter Barques and Gum Trail - Amber Threads Tales and Trails
Explore the history of the river and early Dargaville by following the Butter Barques and Gum Trail. The trail is designed as a loop, starting at the Gumdigger Statue in Lower Hokianga Road, travelling along Logan Street to the Dargaville Museum and returning to Lower Hokianga Road via River Road. Historic site markers along the trail give you an insight into Dargaville's history with a short explanation and a photograph. Experience as much or as little as you like by joining and leaving the trail at any point. While at Pou Tu te Rangi Park, visit the Dargaville Museum and the Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club.
Time: approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours with an easy to moderate fitness level. The majority of the walk is wheelchair / pushchair / mobility scooter friendly. It is advisable to take a water bottle and a hat and we request that you respect the privacy of residents.
Brochures available from Dargaville Library, DCDB Offices 36 Victoria Street (Fosters Arcade), Muddy Water Art Gallery, and Dargaville Museum.
Address: Dargaville/Mangawhare | More info: Activity Level: Low-Medium
History
Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club
So much vintage and veteran machinery and implements have found their way to a new home, some in excellent condition others needing varying degrees of T.L.C.
Tractors of many shapes, sizes and colours plus farm implements cowshed and dairy equipment, corn shellers, timber and logging machinery, horse and bullock harness.
Alternative contact person: Bill Fitness 021 1063 635
Our club is open daily 9.00am – 3.30pm Auditorium available for functions Weddings 21st
Tours with lunch - price available on request – Contact: Keven mob:027 4721 269
Adults $15.00 Children $5.00 under 5yrs Free EFTPOS available.
Contact person: Keven | Phone: 09 556 5501 | Mobile: 027 472 1269 | Email: kvmcdargaville@gmail.com | Address: Pou tu O te Rangi Harding Park, 32 Mt Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville | More info: Open daily 9.00am - 3.30pm
Water
Kauri Coast Community Swimming Pool
Our 50 metre competition pool has a movable boom that allows it to be divided into 2 x 25 metre pools. We make the full 50 metres available for lane swimming on Wednesdays and Thursdays (see below). Otherwise, 25 metre lane swimming is available whenever the pools are open to the public. HOURS
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 6 am to 7 pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm
Hydro/Learn to Swim: 10 am to 7 pm
50m Public Lane - 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, or as required by bookings.
The Kauri Coast Community Pool operates between Labour Weekend and Easter.
Public Holidays: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Christmas/New Year
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Closed Christmas eve to Boxing Day (24 - 26 December)
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Closed New Year's eve to day after New Year's Day (31 December - 2 December)
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Closed Waitangi Day (6 February)
Phone: 09 439 1065 | Email: SCI@clmnz.co.nz | Address: 9 Onslow Street, Dargaville
Bush
Maungaraho Rock
This interesting feature on the landscape is a huge rocky outcrop rising from the countryside not far from Tokatoka. There are 2 tracks, the lower track circles the base of this bushclad rocky bluff and the other leads off this one to the top. It is a 45 minute walk around the base, while the track to the summit takes 30 minutes. The track to the summit requires fitness as it is steep and entails some climbing. In places ropes and ladders assist this.
Located on Mititai Road, Arapohue, off State Highway 12, 11 kms south of Dargaville.
Contact person: KDC/DOC | More info: Activity Level: Medium to High
Art & Entertainment
Nelson's Kaihu Kauri
Kauri Gallery near Dargaville
Nelson's Kaihu Kauri Gallery is situated at Kaihu, 30 kms North of Dargaville, on State Highway 12 - heading towards Kai Iwi Lakes or Waipoua Forest.
Nelson's Kaihu Kauri Gallery features:
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A large range of wood art
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Pottery
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Hand-blown glass
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Greenstone
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Paua
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Handmade soaps
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Local paintings
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And a wide range of New Zealand-made gifts and souvenirs.
Contact person: Nelson Parker | Phone: 09 439 7227 | Email: kauri.furniture@xtra.co.nz · | Address: Kaihu
Water
Kaipara Harbour and River Cruises
Cruise the mighty Kaipara Harbour and Kaipara River aboard our 17m fun vessel the M.V. Kewpie Too.
We offer a range of cruises from three-hour river cruises to our two-day harbour adventures retracing the routes of historic steamers from a bygone era and exploring the distant reaches of the Kaipara - the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere.
2 Day Kaipara Harbour Cruise details
Departure Point - Springs Road Landing, end of Springs road, Parakai.
Contact person: Terry | Phone: 09 420 8466 | Email: kaiparacruises@xtra.co.nz | Address: Springs Road Landing, Springs Road, Parakai | More info: Refer to website
History
Te Pou tu O te Rangi Harding Park
This gift from the Harding Family to the people of Dargaville is a great place to spend an afternoon. Follow the tracks through the native bush, take in the spectacular views over the Northern Wairoa River, see the masts from the Green Peace boat, Rainbow Warrior, visit the Pa Site, meander through the Mt Wesley Cemetery, enjoy the wealth of history on display at the Dargaville Museum, be astounded by the collection at the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Museum, or cruise around the mountain bike tracks which are a small fun network of trails for all abilities. Entry fees apply for the Dargaville Museum and Kaipara Heritage Machinery Museum.
Dogs are not permitted in the Pa Site and must be on a lead at all times in other areas of the Park.
Contact person: Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Email: council@kaipara.govt.nz | Address: 32 Mt Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville
Bush
Taha Awa Riverside Gardens
This community garden has been created for the enjoyment of locals and visitors to Dargaville. It includes a childrens playground, fernery building, sensual garden and meandering paths. Great place for a picnic, catching up with friends and family or just a quiet stroll.
Address: Totara Street, Dargaville | More info: Activity Level: Low
History
The Kauri Museum
The award winning Kauri Museum tells the story of our pioneering settlers though the lens of the Kauri Industry. The museum specialises in the legacy of our Kauri Forests; specifically the strong durable timber and the highly prized Kauri Gum. Experience the adventures of our pioneering settlers and appreciate the legacy of our Kauri forests.
- Explore our interactive hands on displays
- Venture into our historic buildings, escape into the pages of our history
- Get to know the people behind the mannequins and their stories
As part of the Museum complex, The Gumdiggers Cafe is located directly opposite the Museum.
Contact person: Reception | Phone: 09 431 7417 | Email: info@kaurimuseum.com | Address: 5 Church Road, RD 1, Matakohe 0593 | More info: Open 9 am to 5 pm
Bush
Trounson Park
Trounson Kauri Park is a mainland island. The restoration project includes a 586-hectare forest reserve and farmland. The project aims to restore the former richness of native biodiversity this forest once boasted, and to let visitors enjoy a glimpse of what pristine kauri forests were once like. It is home to several threatened species, such as North Island brown kiwi, kūkupa (New Zealand pigeon), pekapeka (bats) and kauri snails. It also incorporates a magnificent dense stand of kauri that has long been recognised as one of the best examples in the country.
Getting there: Trounson Kauri Park is located in western Northland, 40 km north of Dargaville. Follow State Highway 12 towards the Waipoua Forest. After the Kaihu township, turn right onto Trounson Park Road. The main entrance to the Trounson Kauri Park is just past the corner from Mangatu Road.
Know before you go: Wasps - There are high numbers of wasps particularly between January and April. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to their stings ensure you take your medication.
Contact person: Department of Conservation | Phone: 09 439 3450 | Email: dargaville@doc.govt.nz | Address: Trounson Park Rd, Kaihu | More info: Activity Level: Low to Medium
Bush
Tokatoka Peak
From the top, the 360-degree views are stunning. You'll get great views towards Dargaville and of the Kaipara. On a clear day, you're able to see Bream Head and the Tangihua range towards the east.
The track climbs steadily to the top of Tokatoka, a very distinctive landmark in the Kaipara district. Note, there is a particularly steep 20 m section near the top.
Getting there: The turn off to this reserve is on Tokotoka Road, 17 km south of Dargaville on SH 12 at the Tokatoka Tavern. The reserve entrance sign is on your left-hand side near the top of the hill.
Know before you go:
- This is a very exposed area; with a steep ascent over rocks.
- Take extreme caution at the top as the drop off is steep and there are no handrails, especially if you suffer from vertigo or are scared of heights.
- Supervise children at all times.
- The track becomes very slippery after rain. Take extreme care.
- Degree of Difficulty - high and not for the faint hearted.
Contact person: KDC/DOC | Address: Tokatoka Rd, off SH12, 17kms south of Dargaville | More info: Activity Level Medium to High
Bush
Waipoua Forest
Waipoua, and the adjoining forests of Mataraua and Waima, make up the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland. Most of Northland’s ancient forest cover has been lost to saw and fire, plundered for the precious timber of the kauri tree or cleared for farmland. However the forests are now under the protection of the Department of Conservation.
Waipoua is home to the kauri, one of the world’s mightiest trees. The largest kauri reach more than 50 metres tall, have trunk girths up to 16 metres, and sprang from seed as long as 2,000 years ago.
Watch the Footprints Waipoua video to learn about the significance of kauri trees in Waipoua.
The endangered North Island kokako and the North Island brown kiwi both live here.
Getting there: Waipoua Forest can be found on State Highway 12, 45 km north of Dargaville on Northland's west coast between Dargaville and Omapere.
Know before you go:
- No domestic pets are allowed.
- There is no general store, petrol station or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
- Nearest petrol station is 28 km south at Kaihu, and 20 km north at Waimamaku.
- Nearest toilets are located at the Tane Mahuta Carpark or the Waipoua Visitor Centre.
Wasps - There are high numbers of wasps particularly between January and April. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to their stings ensure you take your medication.
Address: State Highway 12 | More info: Activity Level: Low to Medium