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Kauri Coast: Dargaville to Opononi, Waipoua Forest, Northland
Photo: ogwen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Drives Northland, New Zealand Northland

Kauri Coast: Dargaville to Opononi

SH 12, River Road, Hokianga Harbour Drive · Dargaville → Opononi

Twisty52 mi1 hr 30 min3,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way
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The drive

The Kauri Coast drive is State Highway 12 from Dargaville to Opononi: 83 km (52 mi) in about an hour and a half, with the road winding in and out of the forest all the way. State Highway 12 is the only vehicle road through Waipoua Forest, so this is the way to reach the big trees.

From Dargaville the highway follows the Kaihu River valley and climbs into the Waipoua Kauri Forest. Tāne Mahuta, the largest known kauri at about 51 m tall, stands just off the highway: a short walk from its car park leads to a viewing platform at its base. Beyond the forest the road drops through the Waimamaku valley to the Hokianga Harbour and finishes at Opononi.

The Hokianga drive picks up from Opononi and carries on inland to Kaikohe.

Along the way

  1. Dargaville
  2. Tāne Mahuta, Waipoua Forest
  3. Opononi
Elevation
3,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft
DargavilleOpononi
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
DargavilleOpononi
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There is no petrol station in the forest: the nearest are at Kaihu, 28 km south of Waipoua, and at Waimamaku, 20 km north.
  • Toilets are at the Tāne Mahuta car park and the Waipoua Visitor Centre.
  • Kauri dieback has closed walking tracks in the forest, and there are hygiene stations at track entrances, so check DOC for the status of the walks.
  • Past slips have reduced the highway to one lane in the forest, so check NZTA before setting out after heavy rain.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Kauri Coast drive from Dargaville to Opononi take?

State Highway 12 from Dargaville to Opononi is 83 km (52 mi) and takes about 1 hr 30 min, longer if you stop at Tāne Mahuta.

Where is Tāne Mahuta on State Highway 12?

Tāne Mahuta is in Waipoua Forest beside State Highway 12, and a short walk from its car park leads to a viewing platform at the base of the tree.

Is there petrol in Waipoua Forest?

No. There is no petrol station in the forest; the nearest are about 28 km south at Kaihu and 20 km north at Waimamaku.

Is State Highway 12 through Waipoua Forest twisty?

State Highway 12 through Waipoua has mostly moderate curves with two twisty stretches, and it is a winding forest road rather than a fast one.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kauri Coast: Dargaville to Opononi, from Dargaville to Opononi