Major city · New Zealand
Horeke
Give Horeke one night, not a day trip: the two sights are 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) apart, the pub is the only food, and the road in from Taheke is 9 km (5.6 mi) unsealed.Give Horeke one night, not a day trip: the two sights are 1.9–2.5 mi (3–4 km) apart, the pub is the only food, and the road in from Taheke is 5.6 mi (9 km) unsealed.
Horeke sits on the Hokianga Harbour and is the oldest European settlement in the Hokianga, with the Mangungu Mission House — where the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place on 12 Feb 1840 — 3 km west along the shore. There are no shops, one pub and a handful of beds, so it works as a quiet one-night stop on a Hokianga loop, not as a base for several days.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- NZD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (wet, fewer open hours)
- Airports
- AKL · KKE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- New Zealand ↗Visa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA (with the tourism levy) before travel, including many transit passengers; others need a visa. Apply only through Immigration New Zealand or its official app, and check the rules for your passport.
- New Zealand ↗Declare all food, plant and animal products, and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots and tents, on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration; undeclared risk items bring instant fines.
- New Zealand ↗Drive on the left; give way as signed at one-lane bridges; an English-language licence or one with an approved translation or International Driving Permit is required.
- New Zealand ↗Freedom camping is restricted: sleep in a vehicle only where signed as allowed, and in many places only in certified self-contained vehicles.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Horeke111 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Horeke, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD, NZ$).New Zealand-wide
- SIM or eSIMOne NZ, Spark and 2degrees sell tourist SIMs at Auckland and Christchurch arrivals and in supermarkets; passport not required.New Zealand-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe almost everywhere; follow boil-water notices in small rural schemes.New Zealand-wide
- TippingCafé or restaurant: Nothing expected; 10% for very good service at dinner is a bonus.New Zealand-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.New Zealand-wide
- SafetyHoreke is a very small, quiet settlement and the main risks are driving ones: unsealed and gravel roads, one-lane bridges, stock and logging trucks…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in every town and at most lookouts; DOC long-drops on tracks.New Zealand-wide
- Emergency numbers111 police, fire, ambulance · 105 Non-urgent police · *555 Traffic (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 17:00 and on Sunday afternoons…Shops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 5:00 PM and on Sunday afternoons…New Zealand-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAKL Auckland Airport (About 3.5–4 h drive north via SH 1; the usual arrival point for the Hokianga.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a flat whiteNZ$5–7 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerDraught beer in the pubNZ$9–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketWairere Boulders entry, adultNZ$15 (≈ US$9)
- Budget bedBackpacker or shared bed, a night, per personNZ$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomNZ$190 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomNZ$320 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NZ$90 (≈ US$55) · Mid NZ$160 (≈ US$95) · High NZ$280 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AKL Auckland Airport (About 3.5–4 h drive north via SH 1; the usual arrival point for the Hokianga.) · KKE Kerikeri/Bay of Islands Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive via SH 1 and Okaihau; small domestic terminal, check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jul (17 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Horeke: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. From SH 1 at Rangiahua, Rangiahua Road runs 10 km south-west on sealed road. From SH 12 at Taheke, Taheke Road runs north with a 9 km unsealed section. Wairere Boulders is about 4 km south; Mangungu Mission House is about 3 km west along the shore and can be walked on the unsealed road. There is no public transport and no fuel in the village.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mangungu Mission House
goDoor to door: About 10 min by car, 40–50 min on foot
Drive or walk about 3 km (1.9 mi) west along the shore on Motukiore RoadDrive or walk about 1.9 mi (3 km) west along the shore on Motukiore Road
Seasonal opening hours and a small entry fee; the treaty table and chapel are the reason to come.
Wairere Boulders
goDoor to door: About 10 min by car plus 40–60 min on the short loop
Drive about 4 km (2.5 mi) south towards Taheke, then walk the footpathDrive about 2.5 mi (4 km) south towards Taheke, then walk the footpath
Basalt boulder field with boardwalks and a viewpoint platform; the longer walk to the platform is about 2 h return.
Koutu Boulders
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Drive south-east around the harbour towards Koutu
Large concretions on the shore; best near low tide.
Opononi and the sand dunes
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive around the harbour via Rawene or the Kohukohu ferry
Dune sculptures opposite the town; combine with the harbour ferry crossing.
Kohukohu
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive to SH 1, north to Mangamuka Bridge, then follow signs
Historic timber town on the far shore; pairs well with the Rawene ferry.
Mangamuka Bridge and Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive east to SH 1 then north
Short kauri walk; keep to the boardwalk to protect the roots.
Door to door: About 45 min to Kerikeri, 1 h to Paihia
Drive to SH 1 and turn right towards Okaihau
Too much for a return day if you also want Horeke's sights; sleep over there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Horeke village, beside the wharf
The pub and the old hotel are here; walk to the wharf and the stilt buildings over the water.
Horeke Road hillside
Guesthouse-style stays on the hill above the harbour, a short drive from the village.
Rawene or Opononi (fallback)
More beds, food and fuel 30–60 min away if Horeke is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NZ$80–130 (≈ US$50–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- NZ$130–220 (≈ US$80–130) excl. bed
- High
- NZ$220 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 1 night × NZ$190 | NZ$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × NZ$160 | NZ$320 |
| Wairere Boulders entry, adult2 × NZ$15 | NZ$30 |
| Mangungu Mission House entry, adult2 × NZ$7 | NZ$14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NZ$30 | NZ$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NZ$61 |
| Trip total≈ NZ$338 per person per day, bed included | NZ$675≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in New Zealand dollars; fuel and ferry crossings excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a flat white | NZ$5–7 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pub meal (burger, fish and chips) | NZ$25–38 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Draught beer in the pub | NZ$9–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Petrol, per litreNearest fuel is outside the village. | NZ$2.60–3.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Wairere Boulders entry, adult | NZ$15 (≈ US$9) |
| Mangungu Mission House entry, adult | NZ$7 (≈ US$5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No shops and no fuel: bring food, cash and a full tank from Rawene, Kaikohe or Opononi.
- The Taheke Road approach includes a 9 km (5.6 mi) unsealed section; check conditions after rain and drive to the surface.The Taheke Road approach includes a 5.6 mi (9 km) unsealed section; check conditions after rain and drive to the surface.
- One-lane bridges and gravel edges are normal on Hokianga roads; keep left and slow down.
- Mobile coverage is patchy around the harbour; download maps and your booking details before you leave town.
- Mangungu Mission House hours are seasonal and it closes on 25 Dec: check before driving out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 111
- Non-urgent police
- 105
- Traffic
- *555
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HorekeHoreke
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ki tēnei wāhi, koaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance111
- Non-urgent police105
- Traffic*555
Embassy
No embassies or consulates in Horeke; the nearest consular help is in Auckland. US, UK, Canadian and Australian travellers should register with their embassy in Wellington or Auckland before heading into Northland.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Wairere Boulders entry, adult: NZ$15 (≈ US$9)
- Mangungu Mission House entry, adult: NZ$7 (≈ US$5)
- Rawene ferry, car and driver: check the current fare and timetable before you rely on it
Say or show
- Kia ora — Thank you
- Nau mai, haere mai — Hello / welcome
- Kei hea te wharepaku? — Where is the toilet?
- E hia te utu? — How much is it?
- Ka taea te utu mā te kāri? — Can I pay by card?
Fuel, food and phone signal are all outside the village: fill up and shop in Rawene, Kaikohe or Opononi first.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Horeke. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (wet, fewer open hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AKL and KKE: last sensible departure north, rental-car desk hours, and a Rawene or Opononi fallback if you arrive late.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the wharf and stilt buildings, the shipyard plaque and Ruapapaka Island view, Mangungu Mission House, Wairere Boulders.
- Place pages with verified seasonal hours and fees for Mangungu Mission House and Wairere Boulders, plus the pub's kitchen hours.
- Fuel, food and coverage fixtures so the Hokianga loop can go green: nearest fuel, nearest shop, nearest signal.
Sources
Ask about Horeke
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