The small village of Omapere is located on the southern shore, and close to the mouth of Hokianga Harbour, in the Northland of New Zealand’s North Island. This rural region of the North Island is known for its sparse population and stunning scenery which is comprised of untouched and unspoilt countryside, and pristine beaches. Omapere provides a tranquil and relaxing retreat and is surrounded by rolling wooded hills, quiet harbour waters, long sandy beaches and warm sub tropical weather. The village offers visitors a range of outdoor activities which include walking, swimming, snorkelling and fishing, and provides the opportunity to enjoy dolphin and whale watching. The village also contains some historic buildings that may be of interest, including a Marae, a Maori meeting house, and a Historical Museum which displays the story of this part of New Zealand.
The large natural Hokianga Harbour lies on the far north-western coast of the North Island, and is protected from the high winds and raging waters of the Tasman Sea. The harbour extends inland from the sea for over 30 kilometres and is fed by 11 rivers. Omapere stretches along the southern edge of the harbour and mingles with the nearby village of Opononi which lies to the north. The area surrounding the harbour is an important historical Maori location and is traditionally known as Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, which translates into the ‘Returning place of Kupe’. Legend tells us that between 800 and 1,000 years ago, Kupe was the first Polynesian to reach this fantastic harbour of Hokianga and thereby discovered Aotearoa, which of course is now known as New Zealand. The area around the harbour figures strongly in Maori legend and is an important and venerated location in Maori culture.
Hokianga is also well known for its Kauri trees as surrounding the harbour are four protected areas which include 75% of all Kauri forests in New Zealand. The Kauri trees are highly respected by the Maori and play a significant role in Maori legends. It is worth noting that to the south of Omapere and within the protected area of Waipoua Forest stands the world’s largest kauri tree, being 51 metres tall and almost 14 metres around the girth. It is known by the Maori as Tane Mahuta and is the most famous tree in New Zealand. These four protected areas add greatly to the natural beauty and remoteness of Hokianga and include the forests of Waipoua, Omahuta, Warawara and Puketi.
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