Only 5 km from the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, the Totara North wharf and boat ramp is a quiet spot to take in the ambience of locals just going about their business.Totara North gives access to the beautiful western arm of Whangaroa Harbour, either by the Walking Track from Campbell Rd or by boat launched from the boat ramp at the end of Totara North Rd.
Totara North has been described as a quaint sleepy backwater with a pace of its own. It is one of the oldest european settlements in Whangaroa and was involved in the timber trade of days gone by. Locals say that San Fransico was built on the Kauri that was shipped out of this area in the late 1800's to early 1900's. Lane & Brown's Mill operated from the 1870's until the 1990's and produced over 70 boats for the Pacific trade.
The main industry today is commercial fishing. There is also a boat ramp that gives access to the harbour.
Locals say 'If you can't catch a fish in Whangaroa then you can't fish".
Stop in at the Gumstore Bar & Grill for refreshments and see how many trinkets, toys, appliances and products you can recognise, from your childhood, hanging on the walls.
Totara North is one of those places that speaks strongly of Northland. The land, the people and the relationship with the sea.
The buildings, still in use today, are memories of the way New Zealand developed and shaped the present
200 metres along Campbell Road is the 5.6 km Wairakau Stream walking track which gives foot access to the beautiful Western Arm of Whangaroa Harbour. You can enjoy a guided walk or be picked up from Lane Cove by boat.
