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Waipū Must-Do's
Historic Waipū - 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.
Waipū © Virginia Guy
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Waipū Highland Games - Held every New Year’s Day to commemorate Waipū’s rich Scottish heritage, with haggis and Scottish field games aplenty.
The Waipū Museum - Learn how 940 Scottish settlers made Waipū their home in 1854. You’re guaranteed to learn a surprising story or two via a range of modern media exhibits.
McLeod’s Brewery Waipū - The beer is brewed on site, the decor is distinctly Scottish and the pizza menu is worthy of an applause.
Little Red Waipū - A bright red shipping container turned coffee shack, grab a latte while lounging in their New Hampshire-style deck chairs.
Blackshed Waipū - Brethren to Little Red, this giftware store-cum-art gallery is packed to the rafters with things to make your home gorgeous.
Waipū Cove - With mile-upon-mile of golden sand, rolling surf, rock pools and a beachside café, this is one of the region’s most popular beaches.
Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite - An often deserted, picturesque DOC campsite in Waipū that hides behind the sand dunes. Stay for the surfing, fishing, swimming and horse rides on the beach.
Waipū Caves - First explore the caves; a shadowy labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites and glowworms, and then tag on an additional 2km (90 minutes return) walk across farmland and bush, weaving through a karst limestone landscape.
Waipū Cave © Getty Images
Waipū Pancake Rocks - Northland’s own stack of pancake rocks is found on the coastal walk between Waipū Cove and Langs Beach.
Piroa Falls - In the Waipū Gorge Scenic Reserve, 13km inland from Waipū township, follow a 200m track along Ahuroa River towards the falls. Various swimming holes are dotted along the river’s edge, making it a fun walk for children.
