The best of the mysterious Hokianga

Koutu Boulders on Hokianga Harbour's southern shore. Photo / Supplied

1. Opononi and Omapere

Stay in one of the pretty local lodges or in the beautiful old kauri villa of Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga, its old-world country charm and character what you'd expect from this district, with stunning sunsets over the harbour. Walk to the old signal station on Arai te Uru (south head) or go to the beach between Koutu and Kauwhare on the south shore for the Koutu Boulders, one of the Hokianga's better kept secrets.

2. Wairere Boulders

Near Horeke is a private nature park created around the astounding Wairere Boulders — hundreds of huge basalt blocks in a valley of geomorphic interest. You'll be entranced by the weathering on the basalt surfaces and charmed by the easy walking tracks over bridges and platforms for views over the Wairere Valley.

Allow 40 minutes to two hours; 70 McDonnell Rd, Hokianga Harbour, Horeke.

3. Twin Coast cycling

Pou Herenga Tai cycle trail runs on the disused Okaihau rail line for 20km from south of Kaikohe to Okaihau.

It's great for all ages, with a gentle gradient and an exciting 80m tunnel dating from 1915. Terrific views to the Hokianga, Lake Omapere and farmland, and an intriguing insight into earliest European and Maori settlements. Plenty of picnic stops.

Top Trail provides bikes, pick up and delivery and other services.

4. History buffs

The breathtakingly beautiful Mangungu Mission House was the site of the third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The 1838-39 house has precious missionary items, historical portraits, the table the Treaty was signed on and more.

In Rawene, visit Clendon House, built in the 1860s by one of the country's earliest traders and shipowners and his wife, Jane, of Hokianga Maori descent.

The house and contents were purchased from the family by the Historic Places Trust in 1972.

Mangungu Mission House is at Motukiore Rd, Horeke, Hokianga; Clendon House is on Clendon Esplanade, Rawene.