Kaitaia
(Pop: 5202) is a town in the far north region of New Zealand, at the base of
the Aupouri Peninsula which is about 160km northwest of
Whangarei and 330 kms north of
Auckland.
It is the last major settlement on the main road north to the capes and bays
on the peninsula. Ahipara Bay, the southernmost part of Ninety Mile Beach,
is five kilometres west of the town.
Kaitaia is a 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.
From Kaitaia there is a range of tours
for Cape Reinga via the 90 Mile Beach, gum field tours and Maori Culture
tours.
Kaitaia has a oceanic, subtropical climate being the warmest place in New
Zealand
Kaitaia is served by daily inter-regional
and long distance
coach and bus services providing regular daily services from
Auckland, Paihia, Kerikeri and Whangarei and Air New Zealand Link regular
air services from Auckland.
There are no passenger train services from Kaitaia to Kerikeri, Paihia,
Whangarei or Auckland. |