Explore these glowworm-illuminated limestone caverns on a 30-minute subterranean tour led by direct descendants of Ngāti Hine chief Kawiti, who fought the British at Ruapekapeka Pā during the first of the New Zealand Wars.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kawakawa Public Toilets

2.22 MILES

It's rare that public toilets are a town's claim to fame but Kawakawa's were designed by Austrian-born artist and eco-architect Friedensreich…

2. King Theatre Creative

2.24 MILES

More like a community centre, this art-deco cinema has been repurposed into an art gallery showing works by talented locals, a library and a soon-to-be…

3. Ruapekapeka Pā

4.85 MILES

For 10 days in January 1846, 1600 British troops bombarded 500 Māori warriors hunkered down in a pā (fortress) composed of trenches, tunnels and wooden…

4. Omata Estate

8.25 MILES

With a growing reputation for red wines – especially its old-growth syrah – Omata Estate is one of Northland's finest wineries. To complement the tastings…

5. Opua Forest

8.36 MILES

Just behind Paihia, this regenerating forest has walking trails ranging from 10 minutes to five hours. A few large trees have escaped axe and fire,…

6. St Paul’s Anglican Church

8.67 MILES

The characterful St Paul's was constructed of Kawakawa stone in 1925, and stands on the site of the original mission church, a simple raupo (bulrush) hut…

7. Williams House & Gardens

8.82 MILES

The historic buildings and gardens of Paihia's First Mission Station include a restored stone store, and now house a community library and a community…

8. Haruru Falls

9.22 MILES

A walking track (one way 1½ hours, 5km) leads from the Treaty Grounds along the Waitangi River to these attractive horseshoe falls. Part of the path…