A Guide to Tourist Spots in Kaitaia, the Northernmost Town of New Zealand!

Kaitaia is the northernmost town located on the North Island of New Zealand. It is known as the final town on the North Island that tourists pass through on their way to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. With a small population of just over 5,000 people, Kaitaia is a modest town where the main industries include agriculture and avocado orchards. Although it is said to be one of the poorer regions in New Zealand, it has a high proportion of Māori people and offers a relaxed, rural atmosphere.
Traditional crafts have been flourishing here for a long time, including woodwork, pottery, glass art, and jade (pounamu) carvings. Artists have relocated to Kaitaia, creating a place where they can engage in artistic activities surrounded by nature, making it something of an artists' colony. Here are some recommended tourist spots in the town of Kaitaia!

1. Te Ahu Centre (Te Ahu)

When you arrive in the town of Kaitaia, the very first place you should visit is the Te Ahu Centre. This serves as both the community center and tourist information hub of the small town, and it has become a tourist attraction in itself. Inside the stylish building, you’ll find a spacious library, cinema, kids’ corner, multipurpose hall, café, souvenir shop, and even a booking desk for tours to the northernmost destination, 90 Mile Beach. You can find all the information you need about Kaitaia and the surrounding areas right here.
What every visitor mentions is the hospitality of the people at the Te Ahu Centre. Many enter expecting a simple tourist information desk but find themselves so comfortable that they end up spending hours there enjoying the café. However, note that the museum closes at 4 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.

2. 90 Mile Beach

Kaitaia marks the end of the State Highway, and from there it's 114 kilometers to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of the North Island. While the road to the cape can be driven by private vehicle, the famous 90 Mile Beach prohibits personal vehicles. As a result, most people switch to a tour bus in Kaitaia to enjoy both the beach and Cape Reinga.
Imagine a bus racing down the sandy shore. While Japan has a similar experience on Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture, it’s nothing like the high-speed thrill here. Tours often include time to enjoy the stunning white sands, sandboarding, and dune sliding.
At Cape Reinga, there is a charming lighthouse and a breathtaking view of both the South Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. It’s even said that you can see the sea in two distinct colors. Be sure to check it with your own eyes—it’s a view you won’t forget.

3. Sarafina's Park & Garden

If you're sightseeing in Kaitaia, be sure to stop by Sarafina's Park & Garden, renowned for its exceptional hospitality. Especially for those traveling by car, it's a great place to fill up on a hearty meal and explore the gardens. The campground accommodates campervans and includes BBQ facilities and a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal at New Zealand’s northernmost location. Try the signature fish & chips and chat with the owner for great sightseeing tips.
The shop sells homegrown vegetables and fruits, especially an abundance of fresh fruit. In addition to Kaitaia’s famous avocados, you’ll find plums, apples, lemons, oranges, tamarillos, feijoas, and more. The tropical garden showcases subtropical plants, including bananas, taro, peanuts, and coffee beans. The garden is overflowing with flowers, and the rose garden, in particular, is a must-see.

4. Matthews Vintage Museum

Located in the quiet countryside town of Kaitaia, the Matthews Vintage Museum is a hidden gem. As the name suggests, it is a private museum owned by the Matthews family, featuring a wide array of vintage items from around the 1920s to the 1950s. The collection spans everything from pencil sharpeners to cars, overflowing with nostalgic artifacts. Visitors often leave with warm feelings, reminiscing about items they once saw at their grandparents’ house. It is especially popular among domestic tourists.
The museum’s biggest pride is its impressive lineup of old tractors, classic cars, and stationary engines. There are also appliances from that era, sewing machines, bicycles, furniture, and even a rare piano that you can play if you ask. Outside in the garden, you’ll find large bird cages and animals such as sheep, goats, ponies, horses, and peacocks—always a hit with children. Visitors can even feed the animals! Be sure to stop by on your way to or from 90 Mile Beach.

◎ Summary

What do you think? Kaitaia, the gateway to the northernmost part of New Zealand, is a charming town that’s too good to simply pass through. It’s not just the famous 90 Mile Beach—there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy in the surrounding towns, with Kaitaia as your base. Besides beach fun, you can also try horseback trekking, visit pottery galleries, and more. Since the area has a large Māori population, learning a Māori greeting can be very helpful.
Greet with a smile and say “Kia Ora!”—and if you can master the “hongi,” a traditional greeting where noses are pressed together, then you’re truly in tune with New Zealand culture!