Welcome...

to Kaitaia, the most northern town in New Zealand and springboard for exploration of the real Far North.

The word Kaitaia meaning ‘abundance of food’ in Maori, chosen for the prolific bird life in the ancient Kauri forests and the plentiful supply of fish and shellfish along the 90 Mile Beach. The climate most of the year is subtropical, the perfect adventure playground.

The town is a starting point for coach tours along the famous ‘Ninety Mile Beach’ to Cape Reinga and is an excellent base for day outings in the area.

Our visitor centre is on South Road as is the nearby the Far North Regional Museum which has moa, kiwi and gum digging displays alongside flax snails, textiles and early transport and communication history. And is also home to the Northwood Photographic Collection - important work of Arthur Northwood and his brothers from early last century.

Known in the past - when it was isolated by bad roads or no roads and the Mangamuka Ranges - as a friendly, do it yourself, community, Kaitaia continues its reputation today for being affable and welcoming. Its Maori and European history is long and rich.

A farming town, it busily supports sheep farming, cattle and dairy farming, vineyards and fruit growing - especially avocados - as well as extensive supply industries. Kaitaia’s tradition of well established, old businesses is well known and the town is enriched with many old
established families.

Alongside good shopping, cafes and restaurants, Kaitaia has an indoor sports centre, facilities for bowls, golf, tennis & squash, a shooting range, a fine public library and a choice of schools.

Sailing, surfing, surf casting at the breathtaking Ninety Mile Beach, diving and fishing, including the discipline of deep sea fishing - all are popular in the North. Regardless of the weather there is always a coast good for fishing – and the region possesses one of the most notable left hand surf breaks in the world.

Kaitaia and surrounding areas are home to many skilled craftspeople working in wood, pottery, paint, glass, ceramics, flax, bone, and greenstone. Like most rural towns in New Zealand, Kaitaia has its very own annual Agricultural & Pastoral Show, well over a hundred years old and one of the oldest in New Zealand, a time when the community traditionally gathers to enjoy itself.

Waipapakauri just 15 kilometres north of Kaitaia is the base for the biggest fishing competition The 90 Mile Beach Lion Red Snapper Classic which brings over 1,000 fishing enthusiasts to town to compete for a prize from the $250,000 prize pool.

Enjoy in Kaitaia all forms of accommodation – from ‘handy to town’ backpacker hostels, YHA, camping grounds, motels and hotels, to the domestic comfort of bed & breakfast, home stays and farm stays.

Kaitaia is full of adventure and sights to see. With our beautiful coastlines and historical sites, we urge you to come journey with us.