Kaikohe is the seat of the Far North District of New Zealand, situated on State Highway 12 about 260 kilometres from Auckland, and about 85 kilometres from Whangārei. It is the largest inland town and highest community above sea level in the Northland Region. With a population of over 4000 people, Kaikohe is a shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district and is sometimes referred to as "the hub of the north".