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Facts about the Far North

Kerikeri is known as the 'fruit bowl of the north', it has sheltered orchards and market gardens, which were first planted in the 1920's. Today they produce mainly for the citrus and kiwifruit export markets, as well as growing tamarillos, macadamia nuts and a variety of vegetables and flowers.
The Far North is the 'birthplace of the nation' where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 allowing the building of modern day New Zealand.
Russell was the first capital of New Zealand, which was then shortly moved to Auckland and then onto its present day location, Wellington.
Doubtless Bay is claimed as the site where the Polynesian explorer Kupe first landed. A monument at Taipa marks the spot of this landing, which led to Māori migration and settlement many years later.
Hokianga harbour's full name is Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe. The final departure place of Kupe for Hawaiki. Thus recognising its association with the famous Polynesian explorer. Hokianga has a long Māori history, and a strong Ngā puhi presence today.
The Waipoua forest was proclaimed a 9,105-ha forest sanctuary in 1952. It is one of the few remnants of kauri forest to have survived extensive clearing and milling during the 19th century, when kauri timber was needed for ships' spars and building.
The Waipoua Forest contains one of the largest remaining kauri trees, Tāne Mahuta (lord of the forest). It is about 51 m high, with a girth of 14 m.
The gross value of the potential mineral resource of the Far North is estimated to be $ 34 billion (Source GNS).
The Far North has the whitest clay in the world. A clay that produces the highest quality porcelain and bone china with outstanding strength and translucency.
The Aupōuri Peninsula is a magnificent example of a tombolo, which in geological terms is a spit of land naturally created by the actions of the sea joining two landmasses together.
The Far North District Council is the second largest territorial local authority from a geographical viewpoint.
The Hokianga has a vehicle ferry crossing connecting both banks of the harbour to the State Highway network.
Kaitāia has strong Dalmatian connections stemming from the days of the gum digging boom, a time when gum gathered from fallen Kauri trees fetched high prices.
The Kerikeri Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832. The keystone above the door bearing the date 1833 is thought to have been carved by the stonemason William Parrott who cut the Sydney sandstone in situ, but construction of the building was not actually completed until mid-1836.
Originally Kaikohe was a Māori village called Opango, and has been called the very centre of the great Ngā puhi Tribe. In the 19th century, the village was raided by a rival tribe and fugitives subsisted among the Kohekohe groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill) After the incident, the village became known as Kaikohekohe which was later shortened to Kaikohe.
Whangaroa harbour is a drowned river system, which explains the peculiar surrounding rock structures. The township is dominated by a pinnacle known as St Paul, with a twin, St Peter, facing it across the water.
New Zealand's first-known land yacht was sailed along Ninety Mile Beach by missionary William Puckey in the 1830s, reaching speeds of 50 kilometres an hour. Land yacht races are still held on the beach to this day.
To the east of Kaikohe is Ngāwhā geothermal power station. A new closed cycle plant is being commissioned. This will allow further expansion, generating 70 % of all electricity consumed in the Far North.

Detailed maps of the Far North and its areas.

Originally Kaikohe was a Māori village called Opango, and has been called the very centre of the great Ngā puhi Tribe. In the 19th century, the village was raided by a rival tribe and fugitives subsisted among the Kohekohe groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill) After the incident, the village became known as Kaikohekohe which was later shortened to Kaikohe. » more