WAIPU + LANGS BEACH

Waipu Cove and Langs Beach make up the Waipu Coast. Two white-sand beaches located at the southern end of Northland’s Bream Bay. Waipu Cove is the larger beach patrolled in the summer months and is known for its swimming, surfing (for both experienced and those wanting to learn) and fishing. Waipu Cove also has excellent facilities, a popular café over the road, and a wellstocked General Store.

Langs Beach is smaller and not patrolled at all. It is a quiet crescent-shaped beach lined with pohutukawa trees. These trees provide a natural playground for children and shade many visitors during the hot summer months.

Photo: Waipu Cove - by Robinson Studios

Photo: Goody Goody Café Deli, Waipu - by Robinson Studios

Waipu Coast remains a sea lovers mecca in today’s world with plenty of fish in the sea, and a mere 21km away from the protected sanctuaries of the Hen and Chicken Islands, the surrounding waters are perfect for diving, fishing and snorkelling. Many local fishing and diving charter companies are ready to show you this underwater world. If you are taking your boat out, there is a boat ramp near the local café at the southern end of Waipu Cove. There is also a spot at the southern end of Langs Beach where you can launch your boat if you have a tractor or a 4WD vehicle.

Waipu is the proud host of the longest-running Highland Games in the Southern Hemisphere, honouring their past. Held on 1 January, this event attracts thousands of visitors from far and wide. Besides a lot of tartan, it provides a jampacked program of entertainment and friendly rivalry. It provides fun for the whole family and is a unique way to ring in the new year. If you are otherwise occupied on New Year’s Day and still wish to celebrate Waipu’s Scottish heritage, you can look forward to ‘Winter in Waipu’. 1 July is International Tartan Day, and the town celebrates by becoming a sea of tartan. The festivities continue throughout the month with many tartan themed events.

Photo: Waipu Cove - by Robinson Studios

Located around a 30 minute drive from Waipu Cove, is the best free glow worm experience the country has to offer. The caves consist of large limestone formations, an underground lake and glow worms. Remember to take your torch and be prepared to get your feet wet, but all in all, the caves are an excellent outing for the whole family. In the middle of town is the local award-winning Waipu Museum. It has earned an international reputation for telling the area’s story through innovative modern exhibits. The museum also runs a fascinating Heritage Trail, making it a must for history fanatics. The trail will take you back to the early settlement of Waipu, visiting buildings and landmarks along the way. Head to the North end of Langs Beach at low tide and walk over the rocks to Ding Bay (named after many dinged surfboards). There are rock pools to explore or even just rest under a pohutukawa against the unique, layered rocks. Just remember to keep an eye on the tide!

There is a local campground a short stroll over the dunes from Waipu Cove. It provides various accommodation options, plenty of facilities, and free BBQs for those lucky enough to catch their dinner. Waipu Cove also has free camping facilities for self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles – for a maximum of one night.

The Waipu Cave Track is a 2km walk which leads you through a picturesque karst limestone landscape across farmland and regenerating bush. It finishes up on the ridgeline with views across the coast up to the northern point of Bream Head. The most popular walkway is the Waipu Coastal Walkway which runs from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach - allowing stunning panoramic views across Hen and Chicken Islands. The Langs Beach end of the 3km track is suitable for all abilities, but as you get closer to Waipu Cove, some obstacles, such as ladders, rocks, and steps, will need to be navigated. Piroa Falls are a 20 minute drive inland from Waipu Town Centre. A short bushwalk leads you through the gorges and over the Ahuroa River; at the waterfall, you can walk up the smooth rocks on the far side before swimming in the cool freshwater pool. If the water falls softly, you can swim under a small ledge behind the veil of water. Langfield Track is a 6.5km (one-way) track from Cove Road, just south of Langs Beach. The trail takes you along an undulating ridgeline and regenerating bush. Once you arrive at the track, you will be entranced by the amazing views over Langs Beach, out to the surrounding islands and inland to the Brynderwyn Range. If you don’t feel like walking back, organise to be picked up at Cullen Road.

Waipu Town Centre services both beaches and is just a 10 minute drive away. It has a great selection of cafés and boutiques, including The Boutique Markets, held every second Sunday of the month inside the Coronation Hall.