AHIPARA, 90 MILE BEACH

         Ahipara, hotspot of the Far North is located at the southern end of the stunning World Famous 90 Mile Beach. This unspoiled sandy beach curves its way up the Far North’s western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga. Popular local pastimes are surfcasting, sunbathing, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, horse riding, dune riding, body boarding, kite flying, hang gliding and of course, relaxing. The ultimate place to escape to, on your Twin Coast discovery.

      Your camera will whirl capturing spectacular sunsets and the beach scenes. On your visit to this beautiful part of Godzone, you will enjoy every moment that this ‘natural theme park built by nature’ has to offer. With dunes to explore, fish to catch, surf to ride and welcoming locals to meet your stay is sure to be a memorable one. Taking a drive up 90 Mile Beach is an awesome experience, with tuatua (shellfish) to gather at low tide, and the landscape to view, the trip is worthwhile. This is the only beach in New Zealand that is classed as an open road.

     Ahipara is based 14 kms west of Kaitaia, and has a proud history of Maori settlement, gum digging and sea adventures. The name Ahipara means ‘Sacred Fire’ this ancient fire was kept burning constantly for the village, on the ground where the school is now located. Ahipara is in the tribal area of the Te Rarawa people, and descendants of the waka Tinana carried the first people here from the Pacific, landing at Tauroa on the south end of the reef past Shipwreck Bay.

     Shipwreck Bay was aptly named with the sinking of many ships including the Favourite which is still visible in the low tide surf. Above Shipwreck Bay you’ll find the Ahipara Gumfields Historic reserve and see relics the gumdiggers days, and the remnants of ancient kauri forests. The majority of early Dalmatian settlers to the area made their living by digging Kauri Gum. At their peak the gumfields supported two thousand people, three hotels, and numerous shops. Bullock teams carted the gum to the beach at Shipwreck Bay, from here the ships sailed on to Auckland.

     Ahipara first church and school were built in 1872 and the town of around 1000 supported several stores, post office and boarding house. In the 1950’s the market for gum fell away and so did much of the population. The township is still a very popular place to live and has around 1100 residents.

     With some of the best surfing beaches in the world, fishing like no other, great diving locations as well as a 18-hole golf course(one of the best in New Zealand), Ahipara has all you could want
all within a local area.

     Ahipara is known for its four-wheel motorbiking through the sandunes and around reefpoint and horse back riding along the beach and far into the hills. Land yachts are often seen powering along the famous 90 mile beach, with windsurfer’s also enjoying some of the action on the water. Flights can be arranged for tourist from the Kaitaia Aero Club (the airport is only 25 minutes away). There are local craftsman producing some of the best woodworking products in New Zealand.

     The area is alive on the public holidays with happy campers staying at the local campgrounds and motels and enjoying some of the excellent weather (the winterless north) that this area is known for.  Or if you prefer a bit of Luxury, try the superb Bed and Breakfast Accommodation that's available in Ahipara area..we are lucky enough to have it all.

     The local fire-station and Surf rescue are run by volunteers so help is always at hand for
any emergencies that could arise.