Pukenui, Houhora Heads & Henderson Bay

This area about halfway up the Aupouri Peninsula is a popular spot for travellers to stay while making their way up to Cape Reinga. Pukenui is the most northern town of any size; make sure you fill up with fuel here if you’re driving and this is a good spot to buy any supplies you might need.

There are a few cafés, shops and a bar in Pukenui, and there are some very nice hostel choices nearby. There is excellent wharf fishing in Houhoura Harbour and there are nice beaches on Henderson Bay with excellent surfing.