The Pouto Peninsula forms the northern side of the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour. Its landscape is unique, characterised by a vast expanse of sand with huge dunes, freshwater lakes, and valleys. The scenery changes often as the wind reshapes the dunes.
Running from the north head of Pouto Peninsula all the way to Maunganui Bluff is Ripiro Beach, a stretch of driveable surf coast that’s more than 100 kilometres long.
Kaipara North Head Lighthouse
The Kaipara North Head Lighthouse, also known as the Pouto Lighthouse, is the main attraction of the area, and is located approximately 7km west of the campground along Ripiro beach. It is one of the last remaining wooden lighthouses in the country, perched on top of a large sand dune with incredible 360° views of the landscape.
The lighthouse was erected in 1884 as a navigational beacon for ships entering the Kaipara Harbour. The area just offshore is called The Graveyard, because of the many ships that were wrecked here (around 150 vessels). In certain tidal and sand conditions, the remains of wrecks may be partially exposed offshore or in the sand.
For more historic information, visit Heritage New Zealand.
Things to Do
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Pouto is well-known for fishing and not many go home without a catch! Eager fishermen can fish directly off the recently constructed wharf, which is only a 2-minute walk from the campground, or surfcast directly from the beach.
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Enjoy a walk along the beach, including to the lighthouse (7km west along the beach). Take in the beautiful views from this historic site but just ensure you check the tides before you head out.
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One of the best swimming spots is the first bay to the north of the campground.
Ecological Significance
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The Pouto Peninsula has a range of habitats for flora and fauna, including dunes, sand flats, wetlands and dune lakes, and coastal scrub and forest.
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Threatened bird species including the New Zealand dotterel are found at Pouto. The New Zealand dotterel is an endangered species endemic to New Zealand, and the northern subspecies nest along beaches along the North Island coastline. Their nests are easily destroyed by careless feet, dogs and off-road vehicles.
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Visit the Department of Conservation website to learn more.
Dotterel chicks are quickly active and find their own food.
Source: Department of Conservation. Photographer: Mithuna Sothieson