WAIPU & LANGS BEACH

Waipu Cove and Langs Beach are two white-sand beaches located at the southern end of Northland’s Bream Bay. A fishing and diving hot spot, Bream Bay was named by James Cook back in the 1700s after the number of fish he spotted in the clear waters. The Waipu area was established following a large migration from Scotland in the mid-1800s. Chosen for its proximity to both land and sea, Waipu was perfect for fishing and farming. Fast forward to today, and Waipu is a thriving rural town for those very same reasons.

Shed at Waipu - By Sarah Warrington

Waipu - By Sarah Warrington

WAIPU TOWN

The Waipu Coast sits at the southern end of Bream Bay and comprises two main beaches – Waipu Cove and Langs Beach. Both beaches are popular with locals and visitors and beautiful in their own right. Waipu Cove is the larger of the two and is patrolled by lifeguards every weekend between Labour weekend and Easter and every day over the busy holiday period. Famous for swimming, surfing and fishing, Waipu Cove has great facilities with a popular café over the road and a well-stocked General Store nearby. Langs Beach is a quiet crescent-shaped beach that is a popular spot for holidaygoers. Whist still an excellent beach for swimming, it has much more limited facilities than its larger neighbour and isn’t patrolled at any time of the year. The beach is lined with Pohutukawa Trees that provide a natural jungle gym for children and welcome shelter to beachgoers over the hot summer months. The local campground is just a short wander over the dunes from Waipu Cove (or a quick scoot across hot sand over Summer). It has an array of accommodation options, fantastic facilities for families and free BBQs to cook up that day’s catch. There are free camping facilities at Waipu Caves for both self-contained and nonself-contained vehicles, for a maximum stay of one night. At the risk of making a secret spot not so secret, the small beach of Ding Bay is located just north of Langs Beach. Only accessible on foot during low tide, it truly feels like one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Just be sure to keep an eye on the tides!

Langs Beach - By Sarah Warrington

The small coastal communities of Waipu Cove and Langs Beach are serviced by nearby Waipu, a small dairy farming town famous for its rich Scottish heritage. With the picturesque Waihoihoi River meandering through, Waipu is just a 10-minute drive from the beaches and has a great selection of cafés and boutiques. The Boutique Markets are held on the second Sunday of every month inside the Coronation Hall. These fun and friendly markets have over 50 stalls selling everything from homemade pickles and artisan food to local arts and crafts.

The local award-winning Waipu Museum is located right in the middle of town and is a must-see for history buffs. It has earned an international reputation for telling the story of the area through modern and innovative exhibits. The museum also runs a fascinating Heritage Trail that takes you back to the early settlement of Waipu, visiting buildings and landmarks along the way.

Piroa Falls - By Sarah Warrington

WATER ACTIVITIES

Surfing Waipu Cove Beach is a well-known spot amongst the surfing community. Whilst popular with veteran surfers, it’s also a fantastic place for newbies to learn with local surf schools.

Fishing and Diving The Waipu Coast is a seafood lover’s paradise! Originally named for its vast number of fish, Bream Bay continues to live up to its name to this day. So, whether you’re looking to head out to sea or simply cast from the beach, there’s a good chance you’ll be eating fresh fish for dinner.

As is the case with most places, locals have their favourite spots, which they’re not overly forthcoming in divulging. However, the local fishing and diving charter companies are more than happy to share their wisdom.

If you’re taking your boat out, there is a boat ramp located conveniently near the local café at the Southern end of Waipu Cove. Tractors and 4WD vehicles can be used to launch at the Southern end of Langs Beach. There is also a ramp at the Waipu Boat and Fishing Club on the banks of the Waipu River. Hen and Chicken Islands are located just 21km from Waipu Cove and, with a general diving depth of approximately 25 metres, are suitable for all divers. Whilst the islands themselves are protected sanctuaries, the surrounding water is a fantastic spot for diving, fishing and snorkelling. A wide variety of marine

life can be found below the surface, including Blue Maomao, Snapper, Trevally, Crayfish and Scallops. If you prefer to cast from dry land, either off the beaches or the rocky foreshore are popular spots with the locals. Waterfall Chasing Piroa Falls are just a 20-minute drive inland from Waipu Town Centre. The falls themselves are just a short walk through the gorge and across the Ahuroa River. There are small, shallow water holes along the way, and once you arrive, you will be treated to a deeper waterhole at the base of the falls.

BIKE AND WALKING TRACKS

Waipu Coastal Walkway The most popular walk in the Waipu area is the Waipu Coastal Walkway which runs from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach, taking in stunning panoramic views across to Hen and Chicken Islands. The southern end of the 3km track is suitable for all abilities, however, once you get closer to Waipu Cove, you will find a couple of obstacles in the form of rocks, steps and ladders.

Waipu Caves Walkway The Waipu Caves Walkway is approximately 2km each way and starts from the Waipu Caves car park. An excellent follow up to exploring the Waipu Caves, the track takes you past large limestone formations and finishes up on the ridgeline with views across the coast up to the northern point of Bream Head. Langsview Track The Langsview Track is a 6.5km (one way) track that goes from Cove Road just south of Langs Beach, with the option to be picked up at Cullen Road or turn around and come back the way you came. The track takes you along the undulating ridgeline and regenerating bush. Once you arrive at the trig, you will be rewarded with incredible views over Langs Beach out to the surrounding islands and inland to the Brynderwyn Range.