Hokianga Tours

Exclusive & unique • Small group • Off the beaten track • Personal guided dune buggy tours •Local stories, histories and legends • Homestay Accommodation

Tours normally run with a minimum of 2 people. Single bookings will be taken with an additional $60 surcharge. The surcharge is waived if an additional booking is received or if the single is added to an existing booking. Please contact us to check availability.

Tour 1: “Sandtrails to Mitimiti”

Discover the North Hokianga & Mitimiti. Take the short boat ride from across the historic Hokianga harbour (departs from Opononi wharf) to the golden Hokianga sand dunes. You will be met there by your Sandtrails Hokianga guide. This 3 hr tour takes in the dunes including the unique ‘Sand sculptures’, and ‘Sand canyon’. Enjoy the panoramic views of the harbour and it entrance from this unique location. Ride along the stunning West Coast and visit the tiny rural settlement of Mitimiti (one of Northlands best kept secrets). Hear local stories and legends of this area.  Return along the beach and buggy over the dunes once again to where your boat will collect & return you to Opononi.

Tour duration 3hrs
Pricing
$185 Adult, $100 Child (6-11yrs accompanied).
Boat fare $25 Adult $15 Child
Max 3 people Min 2

Tour 2: “Sandsecrets”

Experience the spectacular sandscapes of the North Hokianga. This tour gives a quick look around all the main areas of interest on the dunes. Your guide will reveal some of the secrets of this hidden gem. It’s not quite what you would expect! Hear the unique stories, histories and legends with your local Maori guide. This tour is accessed via boat crossing from Opononi.

Duration 1hr

Pricing
$95 Adult $55 Child (6-11yrs accompanied).
Boat Fare $25 Adult $15 Child
Max 3 people Min 2

Tour 3: ‘Dune Explorer’

This tour allows a bit more time to explore this amazing landscape. This is an extended version of the ‘Sandsecrets’ tour. More time to take in the stories, legends and ask questions. More time to explore the sand canyon and sculptures without having to rush. If time allows or if you specifically ask we will descend onto the West Coast to check out the harbour entrance and view the West coast beach, and middens. At the conclusion of this tour, there is usually time to complete your dune experience by sand boarding before catching the boat back to Opononi (use of sandboards included with your boat fare).

Duration 1.5 hrs

Pricing
$135 Adult $70 Child  (6-11yrs accompanied).
Boat Fare $25 Adult $15 Child

Tour 4: ‘Overnight in Mitimiti’

This tour combines an extended 3.5 hr tour with dinner bed and breakfast at our homestay accommodation in Mitimiti. Take the short boat ride from Opononi across the historic Hokianga harbour to the golden sands of the Hokianga dunes. You will be met there by your Sandtrails Hokianga guide. Explore the dunes, sculptures and canyon. Discover areas not visited by the other tours.  If you want… we can climb the limestone peak of Pukerangatira (Hill of the chiefs). This peak overlooks the dunes and provides awesome photo opportunities (a reasonable fitness level is required). The carved Pouwhenua (Maori carved pole) standing on the peak signifies the ancestral authority of the Te Rarawa Tribe over this area. Ride along the West Coast & experience the magic of Mitimiti…one of the last unique pieces of undeveloped coastline in Northland New Zealand. Mitimiti is nestled between the mountain ranges of the Warawara Kauri Forest to the East and the often wild Tasman Sea to the West. Our Homestay is a stones throw from a stunning unspoilt  beach. We have a comfortable King & Queen suite with separate guest bathroom + a second separate toilet and hand basin. Enjoy the warm hospitality and home cooked meals (complimentary wine or beer with dinner or BYO) with your guide Andrew (Monday-Thur). Andrews wife Diane also hosts Fri-Sun. Relax on the deck and experience the amazing sunsets and expansive views. Enjoy a full cooked or continental breakfast before the return buggy ride over the dunes to meet the boat for your return crossing to Opononi.

Pricing
$435 per Single  $640 per Couple $920 for 3 Adults
Boat Fare $25 Adult
Lunch is available by arrangement
This tour can also be accessed by driving directly to Mitimiti.

Tour 5: ‘Sandscapes’

This 2 hr tour begins and ends from our home in Mitimiti. Why not take the scenic trip to Mitimiti. Its only a 40min drive from the Northern Terminal of the Hokianga Ferry. Discover the raw beauty of the North Hokianga. Explore the small rural town of Mitimiti before riding along the stunning Mitimiti beach to the North Head of the Hokianga Harbour. Buggy to the top of the giant dunes, & visit the unique sand canyon and sculptures. Take in the amazing panoramic views of the Harbour and its entrance. Learn the significance of this place from your local guide. Hear the stories and legends of the Hokianga.

Duration 2hrs

Pricing
$155 Adult   $80 Child (6-11yrs accompanied).

Tours can be tailored to suit your requirements, please enquire. If you are looking for a group tour option check our specials page