Rawene

Introducing Rawene

Founded shortly after Horeke, Rawene was NZ’s third European settlement. There is still a surprising number of historic buildings (including six churches) from a time when the harbour was considerably busier than it is now. There aren’t any ATMs or banks, but you can get petrol here.

A heritage trail complete with information boards tours the main sights. Clendon House (09-405 7874; www.historic.org.nz; Clendon Esplanade; adult/child $5/2.50; 10am-4pm Sat-Mon Nov-Apr, 10am-4pm Mon & Tue May-Oct) was built in the bustling 1860s by James Clendon, a trader, shipowner and magistrate. After his death, his 34-year-old half-Maori widow Jane was left with a brood of kids and a whopping £5000 debt. She managed to clear the debt and her descendants remained in the house until 1972, when it passed to the Historic Places Trust.

Hokianga Blue (09-405 7675; www.hokiangablue.co.nz; 49 Parnell St) runs kayak tours (half-day tour $65, minimum two people) and hires out kayaks (half-/full day $30/45). It also rents out a studio apartment with harbour views and a kitchenette ($110).

Quirky Outpost Hokianga (09-405 7423; 5 Parnell St; 9.30am-5.30pm) stocks local art, crafts, clothing, music, and both second-hand and new books.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009