The sun, sand and surf of summer, it's what the Far North is known for. And fishing, camping and tramping.
FIRE BAN IN THE FAR NORTH
The Northern Rural Fire Authority has declared a fire ban and NO open fires are permitted. Conditions apply for hangi fires. For information go to havingafire.org.nz The only other exception is for gas barbecues. Fines and a hefty bill for fire-fighting costs can be incurred for non-compliance.
CAMPING
There are literally dozens of camp sites in the Far North and recommended are the commercial sites for the camaraderie that can be enjoyed with other campers, flushable toilets, washing amenities and rubbish collection facilities that are provided.
DOC managed an extensive network of huts, conservation campsites and cabins which are more basic than back-packers but still with toilet and shower facilities. A full list is available from www.doc.govt.nz
Freedom Camping:
Freedom camping (other than at a camping ground) is allowed within 200m of a formed road, a motor-vehicle accessible area, sea or harbour, or DOC land. Track using a tent, caravan, car, camper van, house-truck or other vehicle.
Freedom camping is an accepted activity for trampers and mountaineers in the back country but prohibited in some areas. There are four council-governed locations where camping is still free but only for vehicles with built-in amenities like a toilet.
There is potential danger inherent in staying overnight in unofficial, unguarded, unlit and isolated areas. A $100 bounty is offered for information that helps the Far North District Council identify illegal rubbish dumpers.
For more information - www.fndc.govt.nz
BOATING
There are dozens of commercial and recreational wharves, boat ramps and jetties in the Far North.A handy website is www.fnhl.co.nz that includes information on all marine facilities, sewerage disposal and environment recommendations.
If you're fishing, sailing, diving, cruising or just out for a jaunt on the bay, boat safety is of paramount importance. The major cause of sea incidents is an error of judgement.
www.watersafety.org.nz
Hiring Boats:
There are numerous options for hiring boats from skippered charters to DIY and you can hire a house boat to explore Whangaroa Harbour. Other options include kayaking and surfing. The best source of information is from the internet or local tourist information offices.
Diving:
Statistically, diving is one of the safest of water sports.On the sea it is a legal requirement
to display a dive flag that must be identifiable from 200m away. All other boat users must keep 200m distance from the dive boat or keep the speed to under 5 knots.
There are numerous and spectacular diving opportunities in the Far North that include swim-throughs, canyons, off-shore pinnacles, holes in rocks and wrecks. Registered dive schools offer tuition for the beginners and hire gear. Always dive with a buddy. For more information see Paihia
Dive www.divenz.com
BEACHES AND RIVERS
Beach Swimming:
The Far North is arguably one of the best places in New Zealand for beaches because of the accessibility of the twin coasts and the pristine beauty of its bays and inlets. The only beach patrolled by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is Ahipara, at the start of Ninety Mile Beach. Volunteer patrols start mid-December to end of January. Fundamental to water safety is never swim alone, avoid alcohol and supervise your kids.
Cars and motor bikes are allowed on most beaches and national road rules and speeds apply.Drive slowly, watch for children and keep an eye on the tides. Also watch for horses on beaches like Omapere and Ahipara.
Other beach activity:
Numerous activities are available in the Far North including blokarting (land yachts), sand dune surfing, horse treks, surf casting from rocks and beach, sand safaris, kayaking, quad biking. Check visitor information sites and the internet.
River Swimming:
Because of the isolation of some of these areas it's crucial not to swim on your own. Watch for submerged rocks, floating, partially submerged branches, logs and the river's flow, even in an apparently slow-flowing river.
Still, some of the best swimming rivers and water falls are found in the Far North, particularly around the Bay of Islands. Check visitor information sites and the internet.
FISHING
There are size limits for both wet fish and shell fish to help preserve the resource. Only those physically taking fin-fish, rock lobster or shell fish are entitled to claim a catch within the daily limit. There are also restrictions on fishing gear and fishing methods.
Tell someone where you're going, what time you expect to be back and take a friend with you. Wear a life-jacket and watch for incoming waves.
For information go to www.fish.govt.nz
FAR NORTH TRACKS AND WALKS
There are an amazing 37 tracks and walks listed in the DOC website from Kaitaia to the Bay of Islands. www.doc.govt.nz
Tracks are designated from easy to short, medium, all-day and multi-day tramping tracks and include mountain biking and horse riding tracks.
Fourteen walking tracks in the Far North district make up the 276 km northern leg of Te Araroa www.teararoa.org.nz
TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL
Pou Herenga Tai
The cycle trail passes through some of New Zealand's earliest European and Maori settlements and the Far North District. Sections of the trail follow ancient Maori walking tracks that include sites of historical and cultural significance. A series of Pou, carved byThe Moerewa Carving School, recall the history and stories of both iwi and Pakeha settlements in the area. At its highest points the track offers panoramic views to the east and west coasts.
KIWI ZONES
In the Far North there are specially designated 'kiwi' zones where dogs are absolutely not allowed and this includes areas with private houses. If you're staying with friends in one of these zones and the family dog is in tow, be responsible enough to protect our native bird.
WHILE YOU'RE AWAY
If you can't get anyone to house-sit, have a neighbour collect the mail and water the garden. Give someone your contact numbers and your expected day of return.
Of considerable concern to the SPCA are the number of uncared-for pets left at home while owners go on holidays. Ask a neighbour to feed your cats if you can't board them.
If you can't board your dog and need to take it with you on holiday check the rules on beaches, camping grounds and other public places. Some require dogs on leads at all times.
For more information:
Camping, bush - www.doc.govt.nz
Mountains - www.mountainsafety.org.nz
Boating - www.fnhla.co.nz
Swimming - www.slsnz.org.nz
Water Safety - www.watersafety.org.nz
Fishing - www.fish.govt.nz
Walking Tracks - www.teararoa.org.nz
Visitor Information Sites
Kerikeri
Procter Library, 6 Cobham Road, Kerikeri. Phone 09 407 9297
Bay of Islands
101 Marsden Road, Paihia. Phone 09 402 7345
www.visitfarnorthnz.co.nz
Hokianga
Main Road, Opononi. Phone 09 405 8869
www.visitfarnorthnz.co.nz
Kaitaia
Te Ahu Centre, South Road, Kaitaia. Phone 09 408 9450
Auckland
i-SITE Visitor Centre, Sky City, Corner Victoria & Federal Streets. Phone: 09 363 7182
i-SITE Visitor Centre, Princes Wharf. Phone: 09 307 0612