Dargaville NZ
Water
Baylys Beach
This is the gem in Dargaville's activity "must see" - an area of natural beauty steeped in history.
On offer for locals and visitors is an enviable playground including great surf casting opportunities, swimming, surfing, boogy boarding, kite surfing, hang gliding, wind surfing, excellent walking including the spectacular coastal track, picnics and play space for families, exposed ancient kauri forest relics, shellfish (tuatua and green lipped mussels), spectacular sandstone cliffs and the famous ever changing west coast sunsets.
The entrance onto Baylys Beach is usually accessible at low tide for most vehicles, however we would recommend that only 4wd vehicles are most suited. The locals recommend all vehicles are off the beach two hours either side of any high tide.
Contact person: Cheryl Carmichael | Mobile: 021 085 42003 | Address: Ripiro Beach
Art & Entertainment
Circus Kumarani
Circus Kumarani is a community based organisation promoting and teaching circusantics open to the community to participate.
Phone: 09 439 5152 | 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
Contact person: Vern Woods | Phone: 09 439 8997 | Mobile: 0211 176 732 | Email: info@anzactheatre.co.nz | Address: Hokianga Road, Dargaville
Art & Entertainment
Muddy Waters Gallery
Amazing displays of creation by local artists including cards, jewellery, feltwork, and so much more.
The Muddy Waters Gallery is currently looking for a new home so if you can assist, please contact John Pickworth on 0275 258 189.
Contact person: John Pickworth | Email: admin@dargavillearts.co.nz | Address: 43 Hokianga Rd, 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 in Victoria Street, Muddy Water Art Gallery, and Dargaville Museum.
Contact person: Sue Curtis | Mobile: 021 608 606 | Address: Dargaveille/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.
Our club is open every Wednesday and Saturday, also any day when requested as any excuse to open up and show off our treasures is welcome.
Contact person: Ann Lupton | Phone: Ph 09 439 4614 | Email: kvmcdargaville@gmail.com | Address: Pou tu O te Rangi Harding Park, 32 Mt Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville | More info: Open: Wednesday and Saturday 10-30am - 3.30pm and any time on request
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, Spring Road, Parakai
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 | 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