Kawhia Harbour (Māori: Kāwhia) is one of three large natural inlets in the Tasman Sea coast of the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.

The settlement of Kawhia is located on the northern coast of the inlet, and was an important port in early colonial New Zealand.

[5] The area of Kawhia comprises 16 to 20 hectares (40 to 50 acres) and is the town block that was owned by the New Zealand Government.

Soon after arrival, captain Hoturoa made it first priority to establish a whare wananga (sacred school of learning) which was named Ahurei.

[8] Marking the stern of the canoe, Hoturoa placed the symbol of Puna, the spirit-goddess of that creation story.

"In full it is named Puna-whakatupu-tangata, and represents female fertility, the spring or source of humanity".

The main meeting house of the marae, Auau ki te Rangi, is named after Hoturoa’s father, who was a high chief (ariki) and was built and opened in 1962.

[9] The eldest and most prestigious meeting house that was first built on Maketu Marae is Te Ruruhi (the Old Lady) which was used as the dining hall until 1986.

It was replaced by a two-storey dining hall, Te Tini O Tainui, to cater for the large numbers that visit for occasions such as annual poukai, tangi and hui.

[13] In January 2018, the health board issued a statement that there was no additional risk from tuberculosis in Kawhia after reports of three possible cases.

[20] In the much wider Pirongia Forest area, 396 dwellings were unoccupied in 2018,[18] when it was estimated that 70% of Kawhia's houses were holiday homes.

[30] New offices were built by Buchanan Bros in 1915-16 over the former beach,[31] and designed by Hamilton architects and engineers, Warren and Blechynden.

[35] The Community Board meets monthly[36] and consists of 4 members, plus the Kāwhia - Tihiroa Ward councillor.

[37] In 2016, a 5 m (16 ft) tall pou maumahara (remembrance pillar) was put up at Omimiti Reserve, behind the museum.

[38] Kawhia hospital overlooked the town, on the site of Te Puru pa,[39] which became the Armed Constabulary redoubt in 1863.