Baylys Beach Activities

Baylys Beach Horse Treks offer the unrivalled sensation of a tranquil trek along the longest drivable and rideable beach in New Zealand.

More experienced riders can head up the cliffs for those amazing views, while the less experienced stay on the beach. All treks are guided by an experienced horse rider, who will share stories about the toheroa and the shipwrecks that lie along the shore.

You might spot seals and stingrays feeding on toheroa in the shallows, or see mullet leaping through the waves. It's an incredible experience so don't forget your camera!

A game of golf can be arranged for you at the Northern Wairoa Golf Club less than 600 metres away – and Sunset View Lodge even has two sets of clubs for guest's personal use.

Northern Wairoa Golf Club offers a scenic and well-maintained 18-hole course set along the banks of the Wairoa River in Dargaville. With its friendly atmosphere and affordable green fees, it's a great spot for both casual and competitive golfers.

Nestled in the charming village of Matakohe, the Kauri Museum offers a captivating journey into the rich history of New Zealand's iconic kauri forests and the industrious lives they shaped. Spanning over 4,500m², the museum boasts the world's largest collection of kauri gum, massive timber slabs, a fully functioning steam-powered sawmill, and life-size recreations of colonial homes and boarding houses.

Visitors can explore Māori taonga, antique furnishings, historic machinery and immersive exhibits like the Forest Walkway, which blends audio-visual storytelling with cultural insights into the kauri's ecological and spiritual legacy. With wheelchair-accessible facilities, guided and self-guided tour options, a café and gift store, it makes for a memorable day-trip en route to the nearby Waipoua Forest or Bay of Islands.

Rising dramatically from the surrounding Northland landscape, Tokatoka and Maungaraho are striking volcanic peaks located near Dargaville. Tokatoka, with its distinctive sharp cone, offers a short but steep climb to the summit, rewarding walkers with panoramic views of the Wairoa River and surrounding farmland. Nearby, Maungaraho stands as a rugged basalt outcrop, steeped in Māori history and mythology, with a scenic reserve at its base. While climbing Maungaraho itself is not advised without proper experience, the area is perfect for photography, picnicking, and soaking in the natural beauty of these ancient volcanic remnants.

Tucked into scenic Harding Park overlooking the Northern Wairoa River and the township of Dargaville, the Dargaville Museum – Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi – is a captivating stop for any tourist exploring Northland. Spread across 1,800m² of exhibition space, it showcases seven richly themed halls: Pioneer, Gumdiggers, Māori, Maritime, Transport & Farming, Collections, and Music, where you can marvel at a restored Gum-washing Blackstone engine, a 16-metre pre-European Māori waka, the mast and clock of the Rainbow Warrior, and an impressive piano accordion collection. Beyond the indoor displays, enjoy panoramic hilltop views, picnic spots, and walking trails. With friendly guided or self-guided options, plus a museum shop and nearby café, it's ideal for families, history buffs, or travelers keen on regional stories and spectacular vistas.

Sharkeys Dairy & Takeaways, tucked just off the sand at Baylys Beach, is a beloved local hotspot offering hearty fish & chips, juicy burgers, creamy milkshakes – and even cocktails after 5pm. With indoor and outdoor seating, a quirky beachside vibe, friendly staff, and surprisingly competitive drink prices, it's the perfect place to refuel after a surf, a walk, or a day's adventure. Whether you're craving loaded wedges, sticky date cake, or a cold beer in the sun, Sharkeys delivers plenty of local charm and generous portions that keep visitors—and kiddies and dogs—coming back.