Kaiwaka is a small town situated 75 minutes north of Auckland and is close to both the East and West Coast beaches.
State Highway 1 passes through the township. Wellsford is 20 km to the south, Brynderwyn is 8 km to the north and Whangarei the closest city, being 60 km (45 minutes drive) north. The Mangawhai Heads are 18 km north east. This is a solid community comprising commerce, farming and a sporting heart.
The Kaiwaka River runs from the east through the area and joins with the Wairau River to form the Otamatea River, which drains into the Kaipara Harbour, the biggest harbour in the southern hemisphere.
The area was home to Māori long before European settlement in the area and it was a site of battles between local iwis. Europeans used the area as a trading and commercial point in the 1850s, with a dairy company formed in 1902. In 1913 the railway reached Kaiwaka, though development was relatively slow until after the Second World War. Today it is a lovely community with a range of houses throughout the area, from modest family homes to modern lifestyle sections just outside the town centre.
The township contains a modest array of shops, including local cafés and a smattering of specialty shops. Local markets are held every Friday where it is possible to purchase a variety of products and produce. Further shopping can be found in nearby Wellsford. Kaiwaka enjoys easy access to the coast, which provides great swimming and water sports opportunities. It is renowned for its all year round outdoor light features and iconic Christmas lights display which is visited and enjoyed annually by thousands.