We checked out of Kerikeri and drove to Hokianga Harbour. We stopped at Rawena and took the return car ferry to Narrows Wharf. We had meal at The Boatshed and then found the spherical boulders at Koutu. They were interesting but not worth making a special trip – it was a useful break in our journey. We then drove through the dense Whaipoua forest and stayed at Wild Forest Hideaway at Donelly Cross.