Kai-Iwi Lakes/Upper West Coast 
Just north of Dargaville is the Kai-iwi lakes; fresh, clear
waters edged with white sand, pine forests, and a waist deep bank
for begin- ners! Out on the coast, sandy beaches stretch north
provid- ing good wavesailing for the experienced only, and on the
way to the Hokianga is the Waipoua Forest home to some of the
largest Kauri trees in New Zealand.
 Dial-a-forecast: 0900 999 05 / 0900
499 23
 Info Centre: Normanby St,
Dargaville. Ph 09 439 8360
 Closest Shop: In Whangarei.
Access: 10 minutes north of Dargaville. You can
drive the car right onto the beach - but beware of soft
spots.
Suits: Wavesailing. Experienced.
Wind: NW,W is best.
Water: Best in less than 1.5 metre waves.
Can get very rough.
Watch: Mean rips. If waves are 2 metres or
over - do not attempt to go out as conditions become too
dangerous.
In Detail: ?
    
Access: 30 minutes drive north of Dargaville, take
the signposted turn off through the forest. A 15 minute drive
along the gravel road takes you to the best of the lakes for
windsurfing. Camp ground and toilets right on the lake front.
Suits: Slalom. Beginners........
Wind: Anything from the W is good. SW is
best and strongest.
Water: Flat and shallow around the lake.
Watch: -
In Detail: 3 hr drive from Auckland. 2
caravan parks with basic facilities, may pay to book ahead in
peak summer season (Hobson County Council in Dargaville).
Camping is less of a problem. Three lakes, suit all
abilities, numerous launch sites off white sandy beaches.
Close to sea so gets sea breezes. Nice place to visit
("sparkling jewels of the north").
Access: 1.45 hours drive from Dargaville up through
the Waipoua Forest along Highway 12, Opononi is at the
entrance of the Hokianga Harbour. There are camping
facilities and plenty of parking and rigging areas by the
beach.
Suits: Slalom, longboard. Beginners......
Wind: SW-W winds funnel up the harbour
Water: Flat
Watch: The outgoing tide, it gets very
strong.
In Detail: ?
 ...more information
 Top Back  Index  Forward  Other useful information
| 
Information on sailing sites around
N.Z.