About Opononi

Opononi is renowned worldwide for its beauty, from the mountainous sand dunes in the pristine harbour to the magical kauri forests. In 1956, Opononi came into the limelight due to the exploits of an exuberant dolphin called Opo who was so friendly she would allow children to ride on her back. Today pods of dolphin and orca can be seen playing in the harbour and waterways.

Opononi and Omapere are two villages that have essentially expanded into one. Popular for many years with New Zealanders for holidays, this area is being visited increasingly by international tourists who wish to experience the unique surroundings.

Activities

Swimming
Sandboarding
Coastal/forest walking tracks
Scenic drives around Hokianga Harbour and through Waipoua Forest (home of Tane Mahuta) - don't miss the signal station on the west side of Omapere where the stunning beauty of the area spreads out in front of you and from where you can walk around the headland to the West Coast
Fishing or gathering shellfish
Visit the local craft shops, museum, café or restaurant (all within walking distance of Opononi Dolphin Lodge)
Harbour or river kayaking
Mountain biking (bring your own bikes)
Horse trekking (experienced riders only)
Take a day trip to Cape Reinga and back down 90 Mile Beach
Kauri walks
Boat ramps 1.5km
Guided Night Walks through Waipoua Forest
Golf - 9-hole course at Rawene
Historic Rawene (Clendon House) and the Hokianga Vehicle Ferry
Art and Craft Trail

Location

Opononi is located on the Northwestern coast of the Twin Coast Discovery route. Only 20min drive northeast of Waipoua Forest (home of Tane Mahuta) and an hour west of the Bay of Islands.

Opononi Dolphin Lodge is on the corner of SH 12, which runs through Opononi, and Fairlie Crescent. It is across the road from a beach reserve on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour.

Auckland - 4hrs, Bay of Islands and Kerikeri - 1hr, Whangarei - 1.75hrs, 90 Mile Beach - 2hrs.

Intercity and Magic Bus drop-off at the information centre - pick-up available.