Dargaville accommodation from AU$153

Dargaville is a major starting point for visitors to the incredible Waipoua Forest. Within the forest you can see some of the country's biggest kauri trees, including the towering tane mahuta, whose name means Lord of the Forest in Maori because of its gigantic stature. Enjoy spectacular hiking and biking through the gorgeous forest. The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is ideal for excellent bird and wildlife spotting, and its elevated position on the slopes means that you can also enjoy fantastic views of the coast. The sparkling Kai Iwi Lakes offers terrific picnicking spots, as well as swimming, boat rides, and water sports, and a cruise along the Northern Wairoa River is a great way to relax and soak up the beautiful scenery as it unfolds before your eyes. Thrill seekers will also be pleased in Dargaville, with motor biking and quad biking both very popular.

To find out more about the area's history and heritage head to the Kauri Museum. Dargaville Museum is another of the town's main attractions. It houses a wide selection of sea-faring vessels, including the masts from the doomed Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship used for protests. You can also see traditional long Maori canoes and the remains of shipwrecks, as well as learning about the area's development throughout the course of history. Other places in the nearby area include the Maritime Museum and the Skydome Observatory.

Sample the local shellfish speciality, the large, succulent toheroa, munch on kumara, and combine adventures and relaxation in this pretty part of New Zealand. Check out our flights to Auckland , and book your Dargaville accommodation for your next fantastic trip.