Waipu Must-Do's 2022-23

Waipu is a bonny wee place with cafés, bars and art studios. The town’s early settlers came from Scotland and their influence can still be felt. Walking trails lead to historic sites such as McLeod’s house, church and blacksmiths.

McLeod’s Brewery takes proud place in the heart of Waipu. They brew their own speciality beers on-site and you can head into their pub next door, with its distinctly Scottish decor, to sample the beers alongside their gourmet pizzas. Definitely something to detour for!

The Waipu Museum imparts stories of the 940 Scottish settlers who made Waipu their home in 1854. You’re guaranteed to learn a surprising story or two via a range of modern media exhibits.

Witness the Art n Tartan Wearable Arts Competition every winter and in summer the Waipu Highland Games are held on New Year’s Day, with haggis and Scottish field games aplenty.

Traverse native bushland on a horse trekking tour, following the pristine Uretiti coastline and frolic in the clear waters of Bream Bay on horseback. The picturesque Uretiti Beach is often quiet and there is a DOC campsite hiding behind the sand dunes. Stay for the surfing, fishing, swimming and horse rides on the beach.

Kandiah Alpacas Farmstay welcome their guests, giving them exclusive access to visit their adorable flock.

Hit the Waipu Coastal Trail for wonderful views out to the Hen and Chicken Islands and Whangārei Heads. The 5.3kms will take you around 1.5hr to complete the return trip.

Waipu Cove serves up mile-upon-mile of golden sand, rolling surf and rock pools, plus The Cove beachside is a great place to grab dinner and watch the sunset.

Waipu Caves The 2km walk (90 minutes return) to the caves, leads you through a picturesque karst limestone landscape, across farmland and regenerating bush to a point where you can take in the magnificent views. Within the entrance to the caves themselves, you will find stalactites, stalagmites and glowworms.

Although not on the same scale as the famous Punakāiki Pancake Rocks on the South Island’s West Coast, Northland’s own version is still worth a visit. You’ll find Waipu’s Pancake Rocks on the coastal walk between Waipū Cove and Langs Beach.

Piroa Falls are a bit of a detour from SH 1 (13km inland from Waipu township), but close to the road once you arrive. Follow the 200m track along the Ahuroa River towards the falls where you'll be welcomed by the glorious falls cascading into swimming holes dotted along the river’s edge, making it a fun walk for children.

Langs Beach © Whangārei District Council