Kaikohe

Kaikohe is the central service area for the Far North of New Zealand, about 260 km from Auckland, situated on State Highway 12 at 35°27' South, 173°49' East. It is the largest inland town and highest community above sea level in the region of Northland.

The 2004 census revealed the population of Kaikohe to be just over 4000 people, but it is the thriving shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district with a catchment of 28,000 people.

Originally a Maori village called Opango, Kaikohe is recognised as being the very heart of the culture of the great Ngapuhi iwi. In the early 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 (kai meaning food) but was later shortened to Kaikohe.

The warrior chief Hone Heke settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased, and died there in 1850. His nephew Hone Heke, MP for Northern Maori, also lived in Kaikohe. In April 1911, a monument to him was unveiled on Kaikohe Hill by Sir Tui Carroll, acting Prime Minister. A park in the town is 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, giving access of some of New Zealand's finest scenic attractions. Within a 50 km radius are the famous Bay of Islands and the Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta kauri forests. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and Hokianga harbours, the Waiomio limestone caves, many beautiful beaches and secluded bays, and the historic town of Kerikeri.

The town is situated on the slopes of a volcanic hill and surrounded by many former pa sites. The countryside is mainly undulating plain with volcanic soils, but on the western edge of town, Kaikohe Hill rises 300 m above sea level, allowing views of the imposing sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour and farmlands to the east and south toward Mount Hikurangi (625 m).

To the north of the Putahi volcanic ridge is Lake Omapere, five km in length, but only two to three metres deep. The therapeutic mercurial waters of the minor health spa of Ngawha Springs are in a small thermal area to the east, where the new Northland prison is currently under construction nearby.

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