RAWENE Rawene is a very picturesque town on that lies on the south side of the Hokianga harbour, in Northland, New Zealand. The town lies at the apex of a peninsula. A car ferry links it to Kohukohu and the northern Hokianga. Hokianga Harbour Ferry crossing on Northlands twin coast discovery route, highway 12. The Ferry crosses the Hokianga Harbour Narrows every hour between Rawene on the South and Kohu Kohu on the Northern side of the harbour. Normally the town would be visited as a result of traveling either north or south. But is worth the diversion if visiting the Hokianga. The township is a delight and the ferry crossing a must. Rawene also has a hospital and substantial medical facility. There is a stately home/museum that opens on weekends. Rawene started as a timber centre, with a mill and shipyards established in the early 19th century. A Captain James Herd in 1822 had taken out the first shipment of kauri from the Hokianga in his ship Providence. The are quite a number of historic photographs in the Masonic Hotel that accurately depicts the era and is definitely worth the visit. Hokianga Harbour Ferry crossing on Northlands twin coast discovery route, highway 12. Rawene has a hospital and substantial medical facility. The Ferry crosses the Hokianga Harbour Narrows between Rawene on the South and Kohu Kohu on the Northern side of the harbour. The Masonic Hotel dates back to the early beginnings of Rawene. The hotel is a classic, well preserved  and steeped in history.     The Catholic Church, among others is an active parish.