Flower Haven, Waipu Cove: Bed & Breakfast - Accommodation - Self Contained

Local Attractions
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Waipu Cove, Bream Bay, Northland, NEW ZEALAND


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.

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.
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.

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.
Art Galleries
Art galleries in the area are Artform, Waipu; Smashed Pipi, Mangawhai, and a private studio at Melody Lodge, Waipu Cove.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.