The Beaches: the only decision is which one - a safe deserted stretch, a clothes optional beach, a long beach to walk on, the popular surf beach of Waipu Cove (surf patrol in the summer), the white sands of Lang's Cove, the surf at Mangawhai or Te Arai point.....

Snorkelling - The Poor Knights Marine Reserve is just over an hour away, and offer a fabulous day trip called "The Pefect Day".  Read about it here

Visit the Waipu Heritage Centre and find out about the unique migration that brought Scottish settlers around the world, via Novia Scotia and Melbourne, eventually to settle here in Waipu.

Click here for a short history of the area

Visit the Waipu caves 16 kms nw of Waipu. There are 300m of explored passageways. The main cave is 175m in length an contains one of the longest stalagmites in NZ. There is plenty of headroom, impressive limestone formations and glow-worms inside the cave. But take care as the surface is wet and slippery. You need good footwear and a torch and compass if venturing into the cave. We can organise a guide to take you and teach you to abseil into a cave. 

PEAK Adventures offer excellent abseiling and caving options for small groups.

A group of us recently learnt to abseil with Peak Adventures

- check out this story

Waipu Caves walkway Length 2 km Time 1 hour each way From Ormiston Road the signposted track climbs a leading ridge through farmland dotted with native trees and offering excellent views. The track then passes through a scenic reserve down to the valley and cave area where there is a good picnic spot.

North River Treks is a very well established Waipu horse trekking company, they offer a variety of rides every day of the year. They cater for all abilities, and have everything from an hour river ramble to a two day trek. 0800 743344

Waipu Farm and Beach Treks - enjoy an unforgettable few hours ridng along a spectacular beach or aross farmland and an historic Pa site. 4320430

Gardens - there are three nationally known gardens in the Waipu district. Podgora Gardens in Shoemaker Rd, Bellevue Gardens in Langs Beach and Heavenly Heights in Waipu.

There is also Subtropica a subtropical nursery, Naja's garden centre in Mangawhai, the famous Koanga Gardens in Kaiwaka. Ask us to organise a garden tour itinerary for you.

Dolphin and Whale Watch - Bream Bay Charters provide personalised eco tours for groups of 5-6. 432 7484

Kool Kiwi Charters - operating from Langs beach email

Fishing and Diving:
Happy Az Charters 4320170 or Kool Kiwi 4320745

Piroa Falls track in the Waipu Gorge scenic reserve
This is signposted on SH 1 from the northern foot of the Brynderwyn hills. This beautiful winding mountain road takes you through to Maungaturoto, and is an excellent alternative route to visit the world renowned

Kauri Museum at Matakohe.

The track is a steep, short zigzag down through the bush to the gorge and the waterfalls. There are good swimming holes.

Pancake Rocks A short track South of Waipu Cove
Cross the stream on the southern end of the beach, follow the path through the gate, and take the upper track. Follow this for about 15-20 mins and you come to an impressive pancake rock structure fringed by ancient Potutukawa trees. This track crosses private land, so please leave only footprints.

Mangawhai cliffs Walk
Length 5 km Time 2-3 hours return

This is a beach and clifftop walkway at Mangawhai Heads. The beginning is signposted at the Mangawhai Heads surf club. The route heads north along the beach for about 30 minutes before crossing a fence into paddocks. The walkway continues along the clifftops for about an hour offering excellent views to the Hen and Chickens and Little Barrier islands. At low tide you can return along the bottom of the cliffs. Otherwise you must return the way you have come. Most of the track crosses private farmland. Please treat the property and the stock with respect. The walkway is closed for lambing 30 June to 1 October.

Celebrate your walk at Mangawhai with a coffee at Naja's, a prize winning garden centre, or at the Smashed Pipi Gallery.

Pukenui Walkway Whangarei
Length 9 km Time 4 hours return

Drive north through Whangarei to Kamo
and turn left up Three Mile Bush Road
at the lights in Kamo.

The track entrance is opposite the sign and car park that are on the right hand side of the road. The track leads across farmland, climbing five stiles over the high, hand-built, dry stone walls.

Once into the forest the track follows a generally easy-going loop. Look for the buttresses of the Pukatea in the damp areas and kauri along the ridge tops. The grassy areas along the banks of the Mangere stream are ideal for picnics.