GO NZ: A road trip on Northland's Kauri Coast 18 Jan, 2021 10:39 PM 5 minutes to read The Northern Wairoa River on the Kauri Coast, with the volcanic plug Tokatoka in the background. Photo / Sue Taylor The Northern Wairoa River on the Kauri Coast, with the volcanic plug Tokatoka in the background. Photo / Sue Taylor NZ Herald Lindy Laird takes the road less travelled into Northland's magnificent geography and history To travel Northland's Kauri Coast is to journey through time and a world of giants. Starting at the State Highway 12 turn-off at Brynderwyn, the route skirts the Kaipara Harbour's northern reaches and pretty, historic settlements.