Opononi is a very relaxed village on the shores of Hokianga Harbour in Northland. You'll find a white sand beach stretching down to Opononi Wharf, a fish and chip shop and a statue of Opo the dolphin, famous in the summers of 1955 to 1956 for playing with the children while they swam in the harbour.

One of the best times to visit Opononi Wharf is at sunset. Otherwise, if you're travelling south from Cape Reinga, I recommend visiting Opononi on your way to Waipoua forest, where you'll see some of the largest kauri trees in the country.