Paparoa: Walking Trails, Local History and Market

Paparoa combines walking trails with a vivid local history and attractions such as the Farmers Market. The Lion's Walkway Extension starts in the town; historic buildings, Cliff's Landing and the market offer further insights into the area. If you are looking for holiday accommodation, these different interests can help you decide whether Paparoa might be a suitable holiday destination.

Walking trails around Paparoa

The Lion's Walkway Extension starts beside State Highway 12 in Paparoa. Its easy first section takes 20 minutes to reach the foot of the pā site. The route continues over a boardwalk through mangroves to Pahi Road. This means the trail connects a specific starting point in town with a continuation through the mangroves and a named destination.

The Paparoa Pa Site also offers a walking route: its access is immediately south of the town. An easy walking trail leads through bush to the remains of the pā site. For planning purposes, the information about the two trails differs in its level of detail: the duration of the first section is given for the Lion's Walkway, while the trail to the Pa Site is described by its landscape and destination.

Local history, market and riverside

Before 1880, Cliff's Landing in Paparoa was used to unload goods. They were brought across from Pahi and then hauled by horses along a wire rope to the store. This sequence brings the landing's role as a place for transferring and transporting goods to life. Today, riverside trees, picnic tables, well-kept lawns and gardens shape the site. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

A self-guided walk takes you to the town's historic buildings. The story of Cliff's Landing offers a fitting example of historic goods routes. The Paparoa Farmers Market at the Village Green shows another side of local life: vegetables, fruit and local arts and crafts are sold there.

The Paparoa A&P Show is also a reason to take dates into account when planning your trip. It is considered one of New Zealand's longest-running events; the organiser has announced the 150th show for 6 February 2027. If this date is important for your stay, check the event details in advance.

When choosing a holiday destination, you can consider whether you would like to include walking trails, local history, riverside scenery and local attractions in your trip. Paparoa offers a range of local themes: a walkway with an easy first section, a trail to the remains of the pā site, historic buildings and the market.

More things to explore in the Kaipara District

If you would like to explore beyond Paparoa, the Kaipara District offers more nature and culture. The Kai Iwi Lakes are in a 538-hectare recreation reserve with white-sand freshwater dune lakes known for their clear water. The lakes are suitable for safe swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and waterskiing. Check water conditions and safety requirements before taking part.

Trounson Kauri Park is a 586-hectare reserve with a significant stand of kauri trees. Since 1995, it has been managed as a Mainland Island to restore native biodiversity and give visitors a sense of what original kauri forests are like. Threatened species living there include the North Island brown kiwi, kūkupa, pekapeka bats and kauri snails; sightings are not guaranteed.

The Kaihu Valley Trail also combines nature and history. It is part of the Heartland Rides/Kauri Coast Cycleway and generally follows the historic railway line between Dargaville and Donnellys Crossing. The railway was built in 1896 to serve the kauri industry. The first section of the trail was officially opened on 10 June 2023; as further sections are being developed, the route may change.

Seven exhibition halls at the Dargaville Museum offer insights into Māori taonga, kauri gum diggers, transport and agriculture, pioneers, collections, maritime history and music. The Pioneer Hall features examples of the early timber industry and work in the bush. The Maritime Hall displays recovered shipwrecks associated with the Kaipara Bar. The Kaipara District thus brings together a variety of themes, from nature and biodiversity to industrial, transport and maritime history.

Discover more destinations: Maungaturoto, Donnellys Crossing, Baylys Beach, Dargaville, Kaiwaka, Kaihu, Mangawhai.

Return to the main travel overview: Kaipara District.