Title: Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Kai Iwi Lakes Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Kai-Iwi-Lakes-Hotels.0-l6111802-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Northland](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Northland.d181328.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Northland](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Northland.d181328.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Kai Iwi Lakes Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Kai-Iwi-Lakes.d6111802.Car-Rental-Guide)[Northland Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Northland.d181328.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Kai Iwi Lakes Tours and Activities ![Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/e6a6709b-23f3-4b34-9265-c0bf784a7d14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/e6a6709b-23f3-4b34-9265-c0bf784a7d14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kai Iwi Lakes which includes a bay or harbour and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/770fb88a-a9d1-4439-85a0-c8474050b7e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/affce73e-b6cb-4615-9ea0-847749f08966.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kai Iwi Lakes showing tranquil scenes and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/29818a08-ebbb-4ae9-9443-9c8e0675fa9c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Kai Iwi Lakes Activities --- --- #### Hike through the forest, go kayaking, set up camp on the lakeshore or dip into the clear waters for a swim in this scenic triple-lake nature reserve. Formed approximately 1.8 million years ago, the three pristine lakes that make up Kai Iwi Lakes are an attractive natural wonderland today, ideal for watersports, swimming and hiking. The adjoining campgrounds also make a great base for exploring the nearby beaches or forests of the remote Northland region. Lake Taharoa, Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi are part of a 1,329-acre (538-hectare) recreation reserve called the Taharoa Domain. Marvel at the clarity of the water, which is highlighted by the white sands beneath. Jump in for a refreshing swim, enjoying the gradual temperature change from the warmer waters in the shallows to the cooler streams deeper down and farther out. The shallower, calmer waters closest to shore are ideal for kids to splash around in. The sheer size of the lakes means boating and rowing is permitted, with designated zones for different watersports to keep everyone happy. Lake Taharoa allows for motor boats while the smaller Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi allow only non-motorized craft for a more natural and peaceful experience. Whether you try water skiing or kayaking, you’ll love the adventure. Follow the walking tracks and mountain bike trails that thread through the pine trees surrounding the lakes. There are tracks allowing you to take in all three lakes and if you are moderately fit, it would take 2-3 hours to complete this loop. Venture a bit farther out to the nearby Tasman Sea. This 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) walk takes you across neighboring farmland to a quiet, beautiful beach. Make the most of your visit to Kai Iwi Lakes by spending a couple of nights camped out under the stars on the shores of Lake Taharoa. Choose the Pine Beach campground for its facilities or head to Promenade Point for a more basic and natural camping experience. Tents, vans, motorhomes and caravans are all welcome. Kai Iwi Lakes is situated 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Dargaville. Day visitors enter free of charge with fees applying only to overnight campers. ### Popular places to visit ![Omapere featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635200619917/03de92ae-b2ac-4a53-ad5d-0898b2717b4b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pakia Hill Lookout Learn about the local history of Omapere when you spend time at Pakia Hill Lookout. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Pakia-Hill-Lookout-Omapere.d553248635200619917.Vacation-Attraction) #### Trounson Kauri Park Explore the great outdoors at Trounson Kauri Park, a lovely green space in Donnellys Crossing. Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Trounson-Kauri-Park-Donnellys-Crossing.d6111800.Vacation-Attraction) #### Maunganui Bluff Explore the great outdoors at Maunganui Bluff, a lovely green space in Aranga. Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Maunganui-Bluff-Aranga.d6111798.Vacation-Attraction) #### Lookout You can find out about the history of Waipoua when you stop by Lookout. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Lookout-Waipoua.d553248621526967263.Vacation-Attraction) #### Taha Awa Riverside Gardens Explore the great outdoors at Taha Awa Riverside Gardens, a lovely green space in Dargaville. Experience the area's art scene and museums. [](https://expedia.ca/Taha-Awa-Riverside-Gardens-Dargaville.d553248621526967258.Vacation-Attraction) #### The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio during your travels in Dargaville. Amble around the area's parks or experience its art scene. [](https://expedia.ca/The-Woodturners-Kauri-Gallery-And-Studio-Dargaville.d553248621532610684.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Kai Iwi Lakes ## Check availability on hotels close to Kai Iwi Lakes [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[Feb 10 - Feb 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111802&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ![Omamari Beach / Kai iwi Lakes / Kauri Forest](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34623100/34623056/18c068d6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Omamari Beach / Kai iwi Lakes / Kauri Forest Kai Iwi Lakes [](https://expedia.ca/Omamari-Hotels-Omamari-Beach-Kai-Iwi-Lakes-Kauri-Forest.h34623056.Hotel-Information) ![3-bedroom house overlooking Baylys Beach with WiFi and large garden and deck](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113710000/113703200/113703151/ef771cf6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3-bedroom house overlooking Baylys Beach with WiFi and large garden and deck Baylys Beach Northland [](https://expedia.ca/Baylys-Beach-Hotels-3-Bedroom-House-Overlooking-Baylys-Beach-With-WiFi-And-Large-Garden-And-Deck.h113703151.Hotel-Information) ![Motel Hobson's Choice](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15780000/15778400/15778392/da63ec7b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Motel Hobson's Choice 212 Victoria Street Dargaville Northland [](https://expedia.ca/Dargaville-Hotels-Motel-Hobsons-Choice.h15778392.Hotel-Information) ![Nellies Nest - Peaceful 2-Bedroom Stay Northland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120520000/120519400/120519314/9917b538_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Nellies Nest - Peaceful 2-Bedroom Stay Northland Dargaville Northland Region [](https://expedia.ca/Dargaville-Hotels-Nellies-Nest-Peaceful-2-Bedroom-Stay-Northland.h120519314.Hotel-Information) ![Parkview Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15860000/15859800/15859704/3f2761f9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Parkview Motel 36 Carrington Street Dargaville Northland [](https://expedia.ca/Dargaville-Hotels-Parkview-Motel.h15859704.Hotel-Information) ![The Northern Wairoa Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78130000/78121700/78121639/843c1cd8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Northern Wairoa Hotel 70 Victoria St Dargaville Northland [](https://expedia.ca/Dargaville-Hotels-The-Northern-Wairoa-Hotel.h78121639.Hotel-Information) ![Dargaville Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8830000/8829900/8829844/703a6d72_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dargaville Holiday Park 10 Onslow Street Dargaville [](https://expedia.ca/Dargaville-Hotels-Dargaville-Holiday-Park.h8829844.Hotel-Information) ![King of the Weka ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109360000/109355400/109355392/b25c654b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### King of the Weka Waimamaku Northland [](https://expedia.ca/Waimamaku-Hotels-King-Of-The-Weka.h109355392.Hotel-Information) ![The Sands Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1220000/1217600/1217506/0256f466_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Sands Hotel 334 State Highway 12 Omapere [](https://expedia.ca/Omapere-Hotels-The-Heads-Hokianga.h1217506.Hotel-Information) [See all 92 properties in Kai Iwi Lakes](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6111802) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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