Dargaville, the Kumara Capital,is a rural town with a population of 4,800 people. Steeped in history and nestled beside the Northern Wairoa River Kauri logging, gum digging, shipbuilding and shipwrecks are the heritage of this characterful place. Each year it hosts such events as the Northland Agricultural Field Days, and several major surfcasting and trout-fishing competitions.
Dairy farming is the main local industry; the district also produces around two thirds of New Zealand’s kumara (sweet potato) crop. Kauri gum and timber products are a speciality of the Kauri Coast and available from several local galleries and craft shops. There's also a specialist paper mill utilizing rice grass from the river. Explore the history of the North and Kaipara Harbour in Dargaville Museum. Here you will find relics from many of the area's shipwrecks.
Sample the variety of accommodation properties on offer, the cuisine of the local cafés and restaurants using delicacies like tua tua (shellfish), kumara (sweet potato), seafood and fish along with other national fare.