Kaikohe

Kaikohe is the central service area for the Far North of New Zealand.

Originally a Maori village called Opango, Kaikohe has been called the very centre of the great Ngapuhi Tribe.

In the 19th century, a rival Maori tribe raided the village and fugitives subsisted among the Kohekohe (a native tree) groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill). After the incident, the village became known as Kaikohekohe, which was later, shortened to Kaikohe.

Kaikohe is the largest inland town and highest centre above sea level in the region of Northland.

While census number shows the population of Kaikohe at just over 4000 people, it is the shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district with a catchment of 28000 people.

The surrounding countryside is mainly undulating plain with volcanic soils, but on the western edge of town, Kaikohe Hill rises 300m above sea level, allowing views of the imposing sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour and farmlands to the East and South toward Mount Hikurangi (625m).

To the north of the Putahi volcanic ridge is Lake Omapere, 5 km in length, but only 2-3m deep.

The therapeutic mercurial waters of the minor health spa of Ngawha Springs are in a small thermal area to the east.

Also found at Ngawha is the Northland prison that is currently under construction.

In the town is a park dedicated to Rawiri Taiwhanga who has a very strong claim to being New Zealand's first commercial dairy farmer. He milked a herd of cows and sold butter in 1834. Also in the town is a Pioneer Village, a 19th Century Northland community recreated with all its colourful atmosphere, history and detail.

Kaikohe has a strategic position in the centre of the province of Northland, making the accessibility of some of New Zealand's finest scenic attractions. Within a 50km radius is the Bay of Islands, Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta Kauri Forests. The Whangaroa and Hokianga Harbours. Waiomio Limestone Caves and many beautiful beaches and secluded bays.

The town is situated on the slopes of a volcanic hill and surrounded by many former Pa sites. The War chief Hone Heke settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased and died here in 1850. His nephew Hone Heke, M.P. (for Northern Maori), also lived in Kaikohe. In April 1911, a monument to him was unveiled on Kaikohe Hill by Sir Turi Carroll, acting Prime Minister.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange was once a resident of Kaikohe.