The Activities in Ahipara You Can’t Miss
Situated at the southern end of the famous Ninety Mile Beach and one of Northland’s best-loved seaside towns, Ahipara is a must-visit for those looking for off the beaten track beach experiences. The town has one of the country’s best surf breaks right on its doorstep, as well as rolling sand dunes and even kauri forest. Check out what you could be getting up to in Ahipara in this list of awesome things to do in Ahipara!
While Ahipara is a great destination in itself, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these nearby towns:
1. Surf at Shipwreck Bay
Ahipara is home to some of the best surf breaks in the country. A popular spot is Shipwreck Bay, famous for its consistent left-hand breaks. Another awesome spot is Tauroa Point, however, access is limited and reliant on the tide. Surfboard hire is available in Ahipara. For more North Island surf options, see 9 Places to Surf on the North Island.
Location: Access is at the end of Wreck Bay Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Walk the Herekino Forest Track
Delve into the wild and wonderful Herekino Forest along the 15km (9 miles) Herekino Forest Track. This 9-hour one-way hike will take you to various stands of kauri in this fascinating environment home to North Island brown kiwi, kauri snail, long-tailed bat and more. It’s possible to also link this hike with the Kaitaia Walkway (1h30min) which end on Lamer Road outside of Kaitaia.
Location: Start from Awaroa Road at Te Arai.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Discover Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga by Bus
By being located at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, Ahipara is the perfect base for your Ninety Mile Beach adventure! Various bus tours depart from here taking you along New Zealand’s sandiest highway and even providing bodyboards for a bit of sandboarding down the dunes if you are keen! Most trips take you all the way up to Cape Reinga so you can check out New Zealand’s northernmost lighthouse, as well as amazing views of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding.
Location: Harrisons Cape Runner and Dune Rider Tours do pick-ups in Ahipara.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Check Out Maori Art at the Te Whare Whiri Toi Gallery
Set within the grounds of the Roma Marae, Te Whare Whiri Toi is an art gallery known for its flax-woven art. Marvel at the traditional clothing, Maori paintings and even take part in one of the gallery’s workshops. The gallery is open in summer, Wednesdays to Sundays.
Location: Roma Road (off Foreshore Road).
© Northland Inc5. Go Off-roading on the Beach
The sand dunes and Ninety Mile Beach provide awesome terrain for 4×4 off-roading or quad biking. Choose from either freedom quad bike hire in Ahipara or go on a guided off-roading experience to the best viewpoints, most adventurous sand dunes, and more with Timeout Ahipara.
Location: Quad bike hire at 15 Takahe Road or Timeout Ahipara is located at Kakapo Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Go Horse Trekking on Ninety Mile Beach
With a wide-open beach and hard-packed sand, Ninety Mile Beach is the ideal horse riding location! Join Ahipara Horse Treks for an awesome beachside trek catered to your ability. Choose from a one to two-hour trek with a mix of beach, rolling green hills and more. Check out more amazing locations to horse ride in our list of 11 Awesome Horse Treks in New Zealand.
Location: 11 Foreshore Roads.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do Near Ahipara
- 10 Must-Dos in the Bay of Islands
- 10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Whangarei
- The Complete Guide to Whangarei
That’s it for the best things to do in Ahipara. For more activities on your travels, check out the 51 Best Things to Do in the North Island.
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