Pouto Peninsula

Coastline, Pouto, Kaipara Heads. Photo: Lisa Forester.

Coastline, Pouto, Kaipara Heads

Northland region

Northland region.

Known for its extensive dune systems, the Pouto Peninsula also includes vast areas of wetlands and bush. It's also home to several threatened species, including the New Zealand dotterel.  

Pouto’s unique ecosystem, however, is extremely vulnerable, and visitors must tread with care to protect it’s delicate balance.

Location

The Pouto Peninsula is located at the entrance of the Kaipara Harbour, south of Dargaville on the west coast of Northland.
Pouto. Photo J Maxwell, DOC.

Features

Pouto’s dune system creates a large mosaic of dunes, sand flats, wetlands and dune lakes. The lakes are home to several threatened plants and animals. Pouto is part of the ancestral land of the Te Uri o Hau hapu of Ngati Whatua.

Photographer.

Activities at Pouto Peninsula

Bird watching, walking, photography and water sports are all popular activities on the Pouto Peninsula.

Stick Lake, a dune lake, Pouto Peninsula. Photo: Peter Anderson.

Places to stay

There are no places to stay at the Pouto Peninsula.

Detail of a wetland community, Pouto. Photo: Lisa Forester.

Plan & prepare

Walk, ride and drive with care on the Pouto Peninsula. Remember vehicles and horses need to avoid any dune areas or wetlands.

 
 

Find out more

Publication
Pouto brochure
Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Information

Kauri trees

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Contact
Kauri Coast Area Office
Phone:      +64 9 439 3450
Email:   kauricoastareaoffice@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

 

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