How to get to Karikari Lodge, Whatuwhiwhi, Tokerau Beach, Doubtless Bay, Far North, nz

Where we are

We are located in the far north of New Zealand's North Island. Karikari Lodge is in Whatuwhiwhi at the top of the beautiful unspoiled Karikari Peninsula, 10 minutes off State Highway 10.

How to get here

By air:
There are one or two daily return flights from Auckland to Kaitaia Airport (about a half hour drive away) and four or five daily return flights to Kerikeri Airport (about 90 minutes drive) operated by Air New Zealand Link. Rental cars at Kaitaia Airport are available from Northland Rentals.

By road:
Travelling here by car by the direct route using State Highway 1 and State Highway 10, the journey time from Auckland airport is about five hours without stops. Travelling the Twin Coast Discovery Highway - a world-class touring route leaving from, and returning to, Auckland - requires at least two days in each direction to visit the many interesting and beautiful attractions along the way. Visit Go Northwest for more information.

Follow State Highway 1 north from Whangarei and turn right on to State Highway 10 at Pakaraka junction and follow the signs to Doubtless Bay. An hour's drive will get you through Mangonui and Coopers Beach and you will reach the turn right for the Karikari Peninsula (Inland Road). Follow the road for 12 kms. and keep right at the lake. Stay on Inland Road for another four kms. into Whatuwhiwhi / Tokerau Beach and we are on the left a few hundred metres after the 50 kph sign.

Coming from Kaitaia and Awanui on State Highway 10, pass through Kaingaroa and the turn to the Karikari Peninsula (Inland Road) is on the left.

Map of our location

Click on the buttons of the interactive map below to zoom in or zoom out or click on the marker to get driving instructions.

For more information about activities to do and places to visit in this area, see our Things to do and see page.

About this area

Maori legend tells us that Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator, made his first landing near Taipa in A.D. 950. In 1769, Captain James Cook sailed past the entrance and recorded in his journal - Doubtless a Bay. From 1831, European whalers, timber workers and immigrants arrived here.

There is boat launching at Tokerau Beach and Rangiputa. Fishing, sailing, diving and beach activities are the main attractions throughout Doubtless Bay with Matai Bay, Puheke, Rangiputa and Tokerau Beaches on the Karikari Peninsula being a water sports paradise with excellent safe sea bathing.

This is an ideal base while you explore the best of Northland - Karikari Peninsula, Doubtless Bay, Ninety Mile Beach, Hokianga Harbour, Ahipara and Cape Reinga (the northern tip of New Zealand) with shopping, cafes and restaurants including the famous Mangonui Fish Shop, museums, vineyards and golf courses nearby.

Please view our Photo Gallery.