Lake Ohia: A lake through the changing seasons

Lake Ohia combines a seasonally changing lake with a landscape history that reaches back to the former lakebed. The area appeals to travelers who want to notice historical traces in the landscape alongside nature.

A landscape shaped by the seasons

The temporary lake usually dries up in summer and holds water in winter. This difference shapes the landscape you can expect to see. The usual summer conditions are not guaranteed without exception, however. If the lake itself is the focus of your trip, the season is therefore a practical consideration in your planning.

Remains of a once-lush Kauri forest lie in the former lakebed. These forest remains add a historical trace of the landscape to the seasonal lake. Lake Ohia thus offers two distinct points of interest: the recurring change between a dry summer and winter waters, and the remains of the former forest. Those interested in Kauri and landscape history will find another point of interest here alongside the seasonal natural feature.

In the wider Far North District destination

Beyond Lake Ohia, the wider Far North District destination also offers distinct nature, architectural history, and museum experiences. The Te Paki Coastal Track offers views of the northern coast, regenerating bush, and large wind-shaped sand dunes. You can walk the entire route or selected sections; there are four campsites along the route. As operating conditions and possible closures may change, check current track information before planning.

The Far North District’s architectural history includes several buildings with different dates and significance. The former Mangonui Courthouse in Mangonui is a well-preserved late-19th-century courthouse, built in 1892. It is considered an unusually intact example of a small courthouse of national significance. In Kerikeri stands the Stone Store, built from 1832 to 1836. It is New Zealand’s oldest intact stone building and also its oldest surviving warehouse. Pompallier in Russell was built from 1841 to 1842 and is one of New Zealand’s earliest surviving French colonial buildings.

The Te Ahu Museum at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitāia offers another perspective on the history of the Far North District. It presents the district’s history, including pre-European Māori artifacts, gold mining, Dalmatian heritage, and Kauri gum and timber. Early shipwrecks, missionaries, and pioneers are also among its topics. Films, interactive exhibits, virtual landscape tours, and informative displays are designed for visitors of all ages. The museum also has an extensive archive of documents, journals, newspapers, maps, and photographs; more than 500 records are available online.

Choose a focus for your trip

Lake Ohia is known for its seasonal lake and the remains of the Kauri forest. The other examples in the wider Far North District offer their own points of interest: coastal scenery on the Te Paki Coastal Track, historic buildings in Mangonui, Kerikeri, and Russell, or regional history at the Te Ahu Museum. Tailor your hotel search to the topics you would like to include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Cable Bay, Whangaruru, Ruakaka, Otaika, Awanui, Waipu, Kaeo, Kaikohe.

Back to the wider travel overview: Northland.