Awanui

Awanui is a small settlement located in the far north of New Zealand, situated on the Awanui River. It is part of the Northland Region and lies approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of Kaitaia.

Awanui serves as a service center for the surrounding agricultural and horticultural areas. Historically, it was an important trading port, particularly during the gum-digging era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when kauri gum was a valuable export. The Awanui River provided a crucial transport route for this commodity.

Today, Awanui primarily functions as a residential and agricultural hub. Its population is small, but it provides local services such as a school, general store, and community hall. Farming and horticulture are key economic activities in the surrounding area, with crops including avocados, kiwifruit, and other subtropical fruits and vegetables.

While not a major tourist destination, Awanui offers access to the nearby Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē) and serves as a gateway to exploring the wider Far North region of New Zealand.