This part of  the trip enjoys the kauri Coast region and much, much more. For those who are keen we enjoy a fresh morning cycle and theres a good fix of kiwi culture and history to be had (ah and did we mention sandboarding and hot pools!).

About the area:
One of the highlights of the Kauri Coast is this superb Forest Sanctuary abounding with rare New Zealand flora and fauna, mighty kauri, nocturnal kiwi, feather-like ferns, amongst a sub-tropical rainforest - this is the Department of Conservations 9105 hectare Waipoua Kauri Sanctuary.
The road through the forest passes by some splendid huge kauris. A fully grown kauri can reach 60 metres and have a trunk five metres or more in diameter. They are slow growing and some kauris are 2,000 years old.

In Opononi beautiful pohutakawa trees line the sandy shore. There are magnificient sand dunes that dominate the scenery. Here one can wander in piece, coming across
magnificent sandstone formations, petrified kauri, lava formations and fantastic views. 'Opo the Friendly Dolphin' made Opononi famous in the summer of 1955-56 when it
played with the locals and tourists which visited the area in their thousands just to get a glimpse, The New Zealand Government even passed a law to protect it, but alas in
1956 it was found washed up dead on rocks, the cause of death still causing controversy nearly a half a century later. A statue in Opononi commemorates Opo's visit.

Optional activities include:
Sand boarding
Hot pools and slides

Hikes today include:
If you aren’t indulging in the heap of activities today theres a some nice forest and coastal walks.

Cycling options today are:
Cyclist get plenty of options today with a few mellow rides and a challenging 60km hilly section for the hardy cyclists.

Tours that visit this area are:

Ultimate Explorer - 27/28 days

Reverse Traverse - 13/14 days

Hot Rocks - 9/10 days

Northern Wanderer - 8 days

Beach It - 4 days

  Enjoy fantastic sand boarding

   lovely Opononi harbour