Visit My Village: A local's guide to Hikurangi
Published on 18 December 2025
Take the road less travelled this summer! While Whangārei is full of wonderful activities, events and restaurants, there's plenty to discover in the small villages spread throughout our district.
Here, Hikurangi Community Development Co-ordinator Sharlene Morris-Ross shares her favourite local tips and secrets.
My top three must-do's in Hikurangi are...
1) "Lake Waro and the limestone rocks are always a favourite. There's a short walk, picnic areas, bird watching, and you can cool off in the lake to beat the summer heat. With the informative boards around the limestone rocks, it's a cool way to engage with and learn the history of the area."
Where to find it: Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve is located on SH1, north of Hikurangi. Look for the large rock formations on your right heading north.
2) "Wander the local shops – there's plenty of antiques to browse, places to sit and relax, and of course the best savoury and sweet treats at Hikurangi Home Cookery, as endorsed by Al Brown!"
Where to find it: 45 King Street, Hikurangi.
3) "Visit some of our historic buildings. The Hikurangi Museum has a large assortment of items on display including lots of old mining equipment from Hikurangi's coal mining days and has a collection of historic buildings including the old jail. The family-friendly Hikurangi Community Library is in the old Post Office which has the original built-in vault with its original door (plus some great reads!) The Hikurangi Hotel also is a local favourite with its old-school interior, the town's only ATM, and of course is the home of Moby's Dick (ask the locals...)."
Where to find it: The Hikurangi Museum is located at 1 Alfred Street, Hikurangi. The Hikurangi Community Library is located at 10A King Street and the Hikurangi Hotel is just down the road at 18 King Street, Hikurangi.
My favourite walk is...
"A new shared path is underway that will eventually link Hikurangi to Ngunguru! The current path is accessible from just inside the forestry entrance on Mower Road and you can walk a few kilometres in under the picturesque treescape alongside the beautiful river. It's great for a family day out where you can take a picnic and find a swimming hole. Mountain bikers can also enjoy this track."
Where to find it: Mower Road is located south of Hikurangi off SH1. The entrance to the walk is approximately 100m past the forestry entrance gate - follow the track on your right. Make sure to take a phone with a map or GPS with you, just in case.
My favourite place to grab a coffee is...
"Miners Rest Cafe is a beautiful cafe; in the heart of the village and has great coffee and meals all day every day. Or if you're lucky you might spot our local mobile coffee caravan The Goods who does amazing coffees, fresh fruit ice cream, and Whittaker's cookies. Keep an eye out for the purple caravan with flowers and if you spot her, be sure to stop in!"
Where to find it: Miners Rest Cafe is located at 47 King Street, Hikurangi.
If you're looking for local products, don't go past...
"Hiku Art and Vinyl is also in the main shopping area and has a variety of funky artwork and items for sale - definitely a must-visit shop for the creative type! The Hikurangi Lions run monthly markets in the parking lot next to the Memorial Hall. There's lots of stalls and food vendors, and there's always a bargain to be discovered. Market days are Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and the 2026 dates will be advertised on the Hikurangi Lions Markets Facebook page."
Where to find it: Find Hiku Art and Vinyl at55 Main Street, Hikurangi.
Lake Waro Scenic Reserve
My favourite family-friendly activities are...
"Our kids love the Council pump track that's on the sports grounds (until March 2026) and playing ball sports across the road on the multi-sport turf. Between tennis, shooting hoops, and dribbling around hockey or soccer balls, the sports facilities provide hours of free fun for all ages."
Where to find it: Hikurangi Sports Park, Park Street, Hikurangi.
"For the adventurous types, don't forget to check out Adrenalin Adventure Park, just 5 minutes' drive west of Hikurangi village. It's a great place for family and friends to go for day trips for a little adventure, fun, and memory making!"
Where to find it: 27 Hukerenui Road, Hikurangi.
My favourite local produce is...
"Our local community library started a seed library a number of years ago, where people can trade packets of seeds or purchase seeds from the library through their library membership or for a small fee. They also plant seeds and giveaway the seedlings, which is becoming really popular! I love to encourage people to drop by the library and see what produce they can take home to plant in their own gardens. It's such a cool local initiative."
Where to find it: 10A King Street, Hikurangi.
"We are also the home of Wholey Health, a local community market selling homegrown and homemade products at amazing prices. Located 5 minutes north of Hikurangi on SH1, they also have a little cafe and other items for sale. Definitely worth a stop in and shop!"
Where to find it: 1675 State Highway One, Whakapara.
My perfect Hikurangi weekend looks like...
"In summer you just can't beat getting some bites from the village and heading out to the local beaches. It's only a 30-minute drive to some of the most beautiful beaches Northland has to offer."
Where to find it: Sandy Bay, Matapōuri and Whananaki are all within 30 minutes of Hikurangi.
You should visit my village because...
"Hikurangi has a charming and authentic Kiwi feel. We're the gateway to an epic coastline including the favourite local beach - Whananaki South. We've got everything you need for a road trip, including funky shops, quality places to eat and drink, the lake and public spaces to keep cool. We've got great family-friendly events, and awesome community spirit! We're the perfect place to stop your way further north."
I love living in my village because...
"I love the cool rural village and heritage vibe. Our little village is a snug home away from home where you can escape the busy roads and bustling streets and just relax and enjoy life."
Thank you to Sharlene for sharing your local insights!