This civic and community centre features a cinema, a theatre, a tourist information centre, a gallery and the Te Ahu Heritage exhibits of the Far North Regional Museum. Artefacts include kauri gum, carved pounamu (greenstone) weapons and wood carvings dating to the 14th century. There's also a cafe, and free wi-fi at the library. The centre's foyer is circled by a series of pou (carved posts) featuring the different cultures – Māori, British, Croatian etc – that have had a major impact in the local area.

Each of the parts of the centre have their own opening hours.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Te Ahu Heritage

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The eclectic exhibits of the Far North Regional Museum feature natural history and local cultural stories. Artefacts include kauri gum, carved greenstone…

2. Okahu Estate Winery

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Just south of town, off the road to Ahipara, Kaitaia's only winery offers free tastings and sells local produce, including the famous Kaitaia Fire chilli…

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This spectacular lookout on the bluff behind Ahipara is reached by an extremely rough road leading off the unsealed Gumfields Rd, which starts at the…

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The best surfing is at this small cove at Ahipara's western edge, so named for shipwrecks still visible at low tide.

5. Gumdiggers Park

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Kauri forests covered this area for 100,000 years, leaving ancient logs and the much-prized gum (used for making varnish and linoleum) buried beneath…

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8. St Mary’s Catholic Church

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