Matakoe to Waipua Kauri forest and Opononi (95km’s)
Continue up Highway 12 through Dargiville, which is the last decent size town for a few hours so get anything you might need. After leaving you will go through some farmlands before entering the Waipua Kauri forest (60kms) where there are many walks in the forest. The Four Sisters is a 5 minute walk to a small grove of Kauri. The most impressive walk is midway into the park. This is a 10 minute return walk to where the largest Kauri tree Tane Mahuta (god of the forest) stands. He has a circumference of 13.77 meters (43ft) and 51.5 meters high (173ft) and approximately 1, 200 to 2000 years old.

Continuing on highway 12 for 30kms turn left onto sigal hill road for 2 kms to a car park. There is a ten minute walk to South Head which has some spectacular views over the Hokianga harbour and sand dunes. You will then wind your way down to the small village of Omapere then the village of Opononi. You will see a statue of Opo the famous dolphin that lived in the Hokianga harbour. They can show you the film at the pub.
Opononi to Paihia (85km’s) 1.5 hours
You leave the west cost at Opononi and follow highway 12 through Kaikohe to Pakaraka where you will turn left onto highway 10 then right at Puketona Junction(7kms) to the main town in the beautiful Bay Of Islands, Paihia. (Means good here) It is worth the short detour Haruru to see the Haruru Falls.

Paihia Highlights
1 Waitangi – National Reserve on the north end of Paihia, which is where the treaty of Waitangi was signed, the founding document for modern New Zealand.
2 Russell – Oldest town in New Zealand and the first capital of New Zealand. Russell also boasts the best beaches in the area.
3 Sea Kayaking
4 Swim with the dolphins.
5 Scuba diving – The wreck of the Rainbow Warrior the Green Peace boat sunk by French agents.
6 Sailing
7 Big game fishing
8 Boat cruises
9 Bush walks