Dargaville NZ
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
Water
Kai Iwi Lakes
Kai Iwi Lakes is a great family aquatic get away. There are two camp grounds within the Taharoa Domain and plenty other options close by. Activities you can partake in are fishing, water skiing, sailing, canoing, swimming, walking waka ama, jet skis, and cycling.
Address: Kai Iwi Lakes Road, Omamari
Function Centres & Venues
Lighthouse Function Centre
Our facilities include:
- Seating for 200 guests
- Fully equipped professional catering kitchen
- Bar facilities with chillers
- P.A. system
- Plenty of off-street parking
The Museum catering crew can provide morning/afternoon teas and finger food lunches for conferences and workshops.
Prices on application and bookings essential.
Contact person: Dargaville Museum | Phone: 09 439 7555 | Email: info@dargavillemuseum.co.nz | Address: 32 Mt Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville
Art & Entertainment
Northland Field Days
The Northland Field Days has been an annual event since 1983 and is a highlight on the Northland calendar. Not just for farmers, there are market stalls, wagon rides, food vendors, children's area, and much more.
Come along and join the fun!
Contact person: Julie Fox | Phone: 439 8998 | Email: info@northlandfielddays.co.nz | Address: 33 Awakino Point East Road
Art & Entertainment
The Woodturners Studio
Contact person: Rick Taylor | Phone: 09 439 4975 | Mobile: 027 4489 652 | Email: kauriinfo@xtra.co.nz | Address: 71 River Road, Dargaville
Water
Kai Iwi Lakes Camp Ground
Perfect for a wonderful camping experience with the choice of two camp grounds located on the lake foreshore, both offering an ideal camping experience for tents, caravans or motorhomes.
Pine Beach Campsites, wash and shower facilities, two flushing toilet blocks, and playground. In the summer there are seasonal services including a mobile shop, and camp staff are on site. A limited number of powered sites must be booked as per the other sites at the camp ground.
Promenade Point A truly relaxed kiwiana camping experience: camping areas, new toilet block. No shower facilities.
No Pets Because we want to protect our native wildlife, we have a strict no-pets policy. We hope you’ll understand
Contact person: KDC/DOC | Phone: (09) 439 0986 | Email: lakes@kaipara.govt.nz | Address: Kai Iwi Lakes Rd
Regular Community Events
Dargaville Girls Brigade
For girls 5-15 years, Thursdays after school 3.30 to 5 pm.
Contact person: Pauline Taylor | Phone: 09 439 7507 | Mobile: 021 263 7446 | Email: gptaylors@gmail.com | Address: Baptist Church, 187 Victoria Street, Dargaville | More info: 3pm–5pm Thursdays
Regular Community Events
Kaihu Valley Music Club
The Kaihu Valley Music Club meets every third Sunday from 1-4 pm. Everyone Welcome.
Contact person: John or May | Phone: 09 439 0827 | Address: Kaihu Hall | More info: 1–4pm, 2nd Sunday of the month
Art & Entertainment
Acoustic Music Blackboard Concert
First Thursday of the month, 7 pm - 9.30 pm, $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome.
BYO instruments or just come to listen: All Welcome
Contact person: Allan Mortensen | Phone: 09 439 6933 | Mobile: 021 439 697 | Email: allan.mortensen@integrity.nz | Address: Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville | More info: 7pm, 1st Thursday of the month
Regular Community Events
Dargaville Scout Group
For boys and girls aged 6-99 years. All information on the door of the Scout Hall or contact Dianne.
Contact person: Dianne McEwing | Phone: 09 283 2006 | Email: admcewing@vodafone.co.nz | Address: 23 Onslow Street, Dargaville
Faith
Anglican Church (Holy Trinity)
Sunday:8am Eucharist (1st and 3rd Sunday)
9.30am Eucharist
Wednesday: 10am Eucharist
Contact person: Judy Edmonds | Phone: (09) 439 7253 | Email: dargavilleanglican@gmail.com | Address: 54 Hokianga Rd, Dargaville
Community Organisations
St Joseph School Dargaville PTA
Contact person: Samantha Gent | Email: samandjimmy21@gmail.com
Art & Entertainment
Dargaville Little Theatre
The Dargaville Little Theatre have productions throughout the year. Watch the Kaipara Lifestyler for upcoming auditions and performances or check out their Facebook page at DargavilleLittleTheatre.
Contact person: Deborah Steele | Phone: 09 439 4823 | Email: dargavillelittletheatre@gmail.com | Address: 241 Victoria Street, Dargaville
Seniors
Kaipara Grey Power
Contact person: Ken Cashin | Phone: 09 439 4452 | Email: k.cashin@vodafone.co.nz
Community Organisations
Caring Caller
Contact person: St John | Phone: 0800 780 780
Business
Dargaville Community Development Board
Contact person: Lorraine Davidson | Phone: 09 439 0464 | Mobile: 027 525 8222 | Email: info@dcdb.nz | Address: Fosters Arcade, 42 Victoria Street, Dargaville
Special Interest
Dargaville Rotary
11.30am - 1.20pm every Wednesday
Contact person: Brian Burnett | Email: dargavillerotary@gmail.com | Address: Lion’s Centre Hokianga Road Dargaville. PO Box 311, Dargaville, 0340 | More info: 11.30am - 1.20pm every Wednesday
Community Organisations
Kaipara District Council - Community Facilitator
Contact person: Amanda Bennett | Phone: 09 439 3123 | Email: abennett@kaipara.govt.nz | Address: 42 Hokianga Road, Dargaville | More info: 8am–4pm
Community Organisations
Mamaranui Bowling Club Inc
Contact person: Dorothy Gorrie | Phone: 09 439 1711 | Address: 681 Opanake Road, RD2, Dargaville | More info: Friday evenings