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Kaitaia is New Zealand’s most
northern town located in the sun baked subtropical far north. The town of
just over 5000 residents is one hours drive north of the Bay of Islands and
an hour south of Cape Reinga and North Cape, the country’s most northerly
points. To its west lies the famous Ninety Mile Beach which in fact is only
55 miles long! Cape Reinga boasts New Zealand's most photographed lighthouse
and according to Maori legend is the place where departing souls leap into
the underworld on their journey back to Hawaiiki. The turbulent ocean at
this point is the meeting place where the Pacific Ocean encounters the
Tasman Sea. Kaitaia has a long history of Maori occupation and the region
retains a strong Maori flavour with many interesting buildings and sites
dotting the area. The economy of the region is mainly agricultural with much
of New Zealand’s avocados coming from the vicinity as well as the country’s
most northerly
vineyard. Of growing importance is the timber industry with Northland
fast becoming one of the country’s main forestry locations. In the past vast
Kauri forests were important for their timber and Kauri gum but these days
the remaining trees are lovingly protected.
Air New Zealand
links Kaitaia to
Auckland and many coach services connect
the town. Kaitaia has a range of modestly priced independent hotels, motels
and backpackers lodges and tourists can enjoy day trips to Cape Reinga,
Ninety Mile Beach, the local museum and galleries as well adventure
activities like game fishing,
scuba diving and
hiking. Kaitaia is within easy reach of other attractions in Northland like
the
Bay
of Islands and the Kauri forests within Northland Forest Park and makes a
great weekend escape from Auckland or a destination in its own right.
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