Wellsford

Nearby Port Albert on the Kaipara Harbour was founded by English settlers in the 1860s. Many did not stay long at Port Albert and some moved inland and founded Wellsford. The main economic activity of the district is dairy farming.

Drive on State Highway 1 from Auckland via Warkworth, or from Whangarei. The highway runs along the town's main street. On days of heavy holiday traffic, especially around Christmas and early January, State Highway 16 along the Kaipara Harbour is recommended as an alternative southern route.

• Albertland & Districts Museum and Heritage Centre

  phone: +64 9 423-8181
  address: Memorial Park, 15 Port Albert Road

• Atiu Creek Regional Park

  address: take Port Albert Road, then follow the signs
  Walking, mountain biking, horse riding, camping and other activities. No dogs allowed.
• Lake Tomarata is 20 kilometres to the northeast, near the east coast, and is popular for boating, water skiing, kayaking and swimming. It has a safe, fenced-off section near the lake shore for young children to swim in, plus a boat ramp, changing shed, toilet, barbecue and picnic tables. Lake Slipper and Lake Spectacle are nearby but do not have easy access.
• Ocean beaches on the east coast at Mangawhai (on 27 km of sealed road) and Pakiri (part of the road is unsealed).

• Atiu Creek Campground

  address: Atiu Creek Regional Park

Visit Wellsford - a guide for visitors and locals

• Dargaville to the north-west
• Helensville at the southern end of the Kaipara Harbour
• Warkworth to the south on State Highway 1
• Whangarei to the north