Paparoa

The peaceful village of Paparoa serves as a major shipping and boat-building point in the Kaipara Harbor. As such, the town is a great pit stop if you want to explore the Kaipara region, as you’ll be able to visit Pahi, Matakohe Kauri Museum, and enjoy plenty of scenic walks along lush waters. Outdoor buffs can drive a short ride north and stumble onto Tangihua Forest. The rugged natural region is home to almost 8,000 acres of forest and kauri with plenty of vibrant hiking trails, including Horokaka Track, Kauri Dam Walk, and Main Ridge Trick—all paths that take you through rich vegetation, old timber dams, and viewpoints. You can’t go wrong with staying in the quaint town; you’ll have the option of enjoying the good stuff that land and water has to offer.