Located on the northeast coast of the North Island at the entrance to Hokianga Harbour. The city became a popular tourist site in 1955-1956, when a bottlenose dolphin, named Opo, would visit the harbor and play with the locals. (For more of the story, visit this website.) In addition to hiking and gorgeous sunsets, the town is close to the Waipoua Forest, which houses Tane Mahuta (the largest Kauri tree).
Things To See & Do
1) Hiking
There are number of hiking tracks located within close proximity of Opononi. We did the following hikes during our stay in the area.
A) Arai Te Uru Heritage Walk
This short and easy walk provides you with lookout views over the Tasman Sea and the Hokianga Harbour. Trail is located about ten minute drive south of Opononi.
B) Hokianga Coastal Track
Starting from the same parking lot as the Arai Te Uru Heritage Walk. We did an out and back hike to Waimamaku Beach. This track follows the cliff coastline providing stunning views over the Tasman Sea and the Harbour.
C) Kauri Walks
There are a number of walks located in the Waipoua Forest, many of which are to view the giant Kauri trees. The largest (Tane Mahuta), second largest (Te Matua Ngahere), seventh largest (Yakas), and an intertwined (four sisters) Kauri are all located in this forest. The largest is a short walk from the main road. The others can be reached from the Kauri Walks Carpark.
D) Waiotemarama Walk & Waterfall
We took the 15 minute (30 return) hike from the carpark to the waterfall. When approaching from the south, the car park is located on the right — we almost missed it!
2) Waipoua Forest Walks
There are a number of walks located in the Waipoua Forest, many of which are to view the giant Kauri trees. The largest (Tane Mahuta), second largest (Te Matua Ngahere), seventh largest (Yakas), and an intertwined (four sisters) Kauri are all located in this forest. The largest is a short walk from the main road. The others can be reached from the Kauri Walks Carpark.
Accommodation Options
We stayed one night at the Opononi Lighthouse Motel. The model provided us with basic necessities, including a kitchen with hot-knobs.