Extensive
Beach
There is a 5km sweep of uncrowded sandy beach between Waipu Cove
and the Waipu River mouth to the north. Plentiful supplies of
tuatua (shell fish) can be obtained which make a tasty meal. The
beach stretches on beyond the river mouth to Marsden Point. At
the south end of the beach are rock pools beyond which are up
to 10m high climbable rock formations extending around to Langs
Beach about 4km away. |
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Bird
Sanctuaries
A feature of the Waipu estuary consisting of a sandspit and
a lagoon is a wild life refuge which is an area of great importance
for the New Zealand dotterel and variable oyster catcher and
is one of the last breeding sites of the Fairy Tern.
The Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge is at the Ruakaka river mouth and
is another breeding area for rare New Zealand sea birds. The
estuary system is alive with marine and bird life. A Guided
two and a half hour Eco tour costing $60 per person (or an independant
kayak hire from $15 per hour) to paddle in the sheltered waters
of the estuary is a must for bird watchers and nature lovers
and is offered by Simon Ellison of Ruakaka Kayaking phone
09 432 8668.
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Swimming
The beach is recognised as safe for swimming and the surf club
patrols the beach from December to February and then weekends
until Easter. |
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Garden
Centres
There are garden centres in the area:
Subtropica nursery where you are most welcome to visit,
but you must phone first, Naja Garden Centre in Mangawhai
and the famous Koanga Gardens
in Kaiwaka are just a few of them.
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Art
Galleries
Art galleries in the area are Artform, Waipu; Smashed
Pipi, Mangawhai, and a private studio at Melody Lodge,
Waipu Cove.
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Horse
Trekking
North
River Horse and Humanship Centre is 20 minutes drive away
and can be from a 1 hour to a 2 days long experience. A great
adventure if you love the wide open spaces. Check out their
website for details of their varied activities from trailriding
to any number of horse related programmes.
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Restaurants
The The
Beach House Restaurant can be found at Waipu Cove as well
as a fish food cafe as well as the Pizza Barn and Artform
Restaurants at Waipu and others at Mangawhai. |
Museums
The Waipu
Heritage Centre is well worth a visit. Discover Waipu's rich
heritage and Scottish origins with its 150 years of historical
research and many artefacts.
The
Kauri Museum at Matakohe is some 45 minutes drive away and
is of world class for its portrayal of the Kauri and other native
timber logging and gum digging industries of the 19th and early
20th centuries.
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History
of Waipu
Some of the early history of Waipu has been identified with rugged
limestone pillars. Read about it on the Waipu
Heritage Trail information page and a copy of the map may
be obtained from the Waipu Museum. |
Golf
Courses
Two golf courses are each approximately 15 minutes drive away,
with Waipu
Golf Club to the north and The
Mangawhai Club to the south. Both are attractively landscaped. |
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Mountain
Bike & Walking Tracks
The main mountain bike track in the Brynderwyn hills
is noted as one of the most challenging and has some of the
best views in Northland.
A short track South of Waipu Cove leads to Pancake Rocks.
Crossing the stream on the southern end of the beach follow
the path through the gate, and taking the upper track follow
this for about 15-20 mins until you come to an impressive pancake
rock structure fringed by ancient Potutukawa trees. This track
crosses private land, so please leave only footprints.
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Chartered
Boat Trips
Bream
Bay Charters run Dolphin and Whale Watch Tours, swimming with
the dolphins, also fishing and diving, 20 minutes away. |
Glow-worm
Caves
Waipu Caves are 14km away where you will find limestone formations
and glow worms. There is no admission charge. Here are to be found
cliffs up to 23m high for climbing as well as opportunities for
abseiling. |
Oil
Refinery Visitors Centre
The Marsden Point Oil refinery
Visitors Centre which is only 20 minutes drive away features
a large scale model and visual display highlighting the workings
of this massive project. The refinery is a must on any Northland
visitors itinerary. |