Kaitaia Travel Guide

Your final chance to check out information at the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre if you are travelling north, or if you have already been north, your first chance to check out the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre before heading south.

Kaitaia is the last town north, so if you are going further north to camp or stay, then it is very advisable to stock up on supplies here. There are a few shops further north, but the costs are higher due to the extra transport costs to get the goods up there.

What to buy: If you are going to be using the DOC camps further north, milk powder is always good as there will be no fridge at the camp.

At some shops you may see gumboots outside - locals will often remove their footwear before entering a shop if the footwear is muddy.

Fondest memory: Kaitaia is the most northern town of the Northland region and the gateway to the Far North. With a population of around 5000, swelling at Christmas time with an influx of tourists, Kaitaia maintains its rural charm and laid back lifestyle.

Walking around the town, you may get a friendly nod or a "kia ora" from strangers as you pass. At some shops you may see gumboots outside - locals will often remove their footwear before entering a shop if the footwear is muddy.

You will also see alot of 4WDs - they will usually be muddy or sandy as in this town, 4WDs are used as they should be - for off roading, crossing streams, driving around farms and around beaches.

If you are planning on going further north to camp, then stock up at Pak N Save - the local supermarket. While there are other shops further north, Pak N Save has the most extensive range of goods and the best prices.