State Highway 12, Ruawai, Northland & Bay of Islands

look at what you’ll see on our food trail guide

Why: We visited for masses of delicious Northland kūmara and, at times, pumpkin and other squash.
What’s more: You’ll see the most kūmara signage anywhere in the world, be spoilt for choice with roadside stalls staffed by happy kūmara and honesty boxes, and can take your own 20 kilo bag home if you really want to. Kūmara has recently been declared New Zealand’s unofficial vegetable, and nearly 95% of our total crop comes from this area.
What else: One good thing to do here - while you are here, you won’t be able to miss views of the imposing Wairoa river. There are local walks, including a climb up the Tokatoka peak ( the entry has clear signage off Tokatoka Road), a real pointy peak so obvious no map is needed to point it out. The local scenery, and flora and fauna, abound.