Welcome

Relax in our individual range of self-contained cottages with rural views and garden setting, only a short distance from the magnificent sparkling turquoise waters and pristine white silica sands of Kai Iwi Lakes. Kai Iwi Lakes Country Cottages offers holiday accommodation suitable for couples, families and groups. Located on the Kauri Coast, 20 mins north of Dargaville (2.5 hours from Auckland) enroute to Waipoua Forest and the Hokianga Harbour. Walk across the paddocks to rugged Ripiro Beach, the longest beach in New Zealand, or just get away from it all and soak up the peace, quiet and tranquillity of life on Northland's west coast.

Our 5 unique cottages can sleep from 2 to 14 people and include full kitchen facilities, bathroom, laundry, private decks or patio, TVs and BBQ. The 2 newest cottages (built in 2005) also offer Sky TV.

Location

The Kai Iwi Lakes are located 20 minutes drive north of Dargaville in Northland, New Zealand. Follow the signs off SH 12. From the south, drive through Waipoua Forest (south of the Hokianga harbour) and follow the signs to Kai Iwi Lakes 25 mins along SH 12 after the exit of the forest.

Kai Iwi Country Cottages are located on the main road to the Kai Iwi Lakes (Kai Iwi Lakes Rd) on the left, only a short distance from the magnificent lakes themselves.

Driving distances from Auckland – 2.5 hours; Kai Iwi Lakes – 2-3 minutes; Omapere/Opononi – 1 hour; Matakohe – 1 hour; Waipoua Forest – 25 minutes.

Activities

Named the Sparkling Jewels of the North, Kai Iwi Lakes are the largest dune lakes in New Zealand offering spectacular scenery and lots of activities for outdoor lovers. There is virtually no evidence of commercialisation at the lakes - don't forget to bring your own supplies and equipment!

• Picnics and BBQs
• Safe, fresh water swimming
• Walks around the lake take you through native & pine forests
• Kayaks are available for hire at the lake over summer
• Bring your own boat for water skiing and trout fishing
• Bring along a jet ski, quad bike, canoe or kayak or 4WD
• Well-trained pets welcome by arrangement

Other Local West Coast Activities

• Walk from Kai Iwi Lakes Country Cottages across picturesque farmland to Ripiro Beach, the longest beach in New Zealand, driveable in a 4WD at low tide
• Walk to Maunganui Bluff (approx 5hrs one way – pick up available for Kai Iwi Lakes Country Cottages guests)
• 15 mins-drive North takes you to Trounson National Park where you can do a guided night walk and hopefully see some kiwis in the wild!
• Hokianga Harbour is only 1 hour away – take a day trip and fish off the jetty or take the ferry over to the dunes for some sand boarding
• Waipoua Forest
• Tane Mahuta, the largest Kauri tree