On the main highway between Kaitaia and Whangārei, Ōkaihau is a friendly country town with a classic Northland pub and an interesting fire service museum.
Located on the western side of Lake Ōmāpere in Northland, the township of Ōkaihau was established in 1862 when a group of Canadian settlers began clearing land in the area. Once a hub of early agricultural settlement and development, the town has a useful assortment of shops and services, a hotel and a golf course. It's special claim to fame is a fire service museum with a large collection of vehicles, uniforms, photographs and memorabilia. From Ōkaihau you can follow Horeke Road to the Wairere Boulders, a fascinating nature park where huge basalt rocks have filled a valley.
The Twin Coast Cycle Trail can be accessed from Ōkaihau, and many of the Cycle Trail shuttles use the town as the pick-up and drop-off point. The trail passes through some of New Zealand's earliest European and Maori settlements. Ōkaihau is a great place to stock up on supplies before your ride.
