Kaikohe Attractions
Centrally situated in Northland, an hour drive east of Hokianga Harbour, is the little town of Kaikohe (pop. 4,000). The warlike Ngapuhi tribe had many fortified settlements In this area. After earlier inter-tribal wars the War of the North was fought out here between Hone Heke and government troops. Two months after Hone Heke's attack on Kororareka (Russell) in May 1845 he fought a battle with British troops at Lake Omapere (which is only 2m deep and is fed by hot springs near its southwest corner). The British forces suffered heavy losses, but even more Maoris were killed in the successful defense of their pa, 9km northeast of Kaikohe. A few weeks later, in battle at Ohaeawai (northeast of Kaikohe), British troops again suffered heavy losses. The battlefield is now marked by a simple little Maori church (1871) dedicated to St Michael, within the ramparts of the pa. Six months later Hone Heke was decisively defeated in the battle of Ruapekapeka.
Hone Heke Monument
Prominently situated on a hill near Kaikohe is a monument (1911) to the widely respected politician Hone Heke (1869-1909), who died young. He was a grand-nephew of the notorious and warlike Maori chief of the same name.
Ngawha Hot Spring
7km east of Kaikohe, reached on a road that branches off Highway 12, are the hot springs of Ngawha. The water, containing mercury and soda, are used in the treatment of skin conditions and rheumatism.
Pioneer Village
In Kaikohe's Pioneer Village visitors can see the old courthouse from Waimate North (1862), a tiny jail, a smithy and other 19th C. buildings. There is also an old railroad built for the transport of timber.
