Bream Bay and Waipū
From Langs Beach in the south to Waipū and Marsden Point to the north, Bream Bay is 22 kilometres of golden sand and clear blue waters, along with picturesque rural scenery, estuaries, rare wild life refuges, native forest, coastal walks and small friendly communities. Fish, swim, surf, dine, shop – or just take time out to enjoy and relax.
Bream Bay
The arc of white sand and clear blue waters of Bream Bay includes Langs Beach, Dings Bay and Waipū Cove in the south, and sweeps up to Ruakākā and Marsden Point in the north with pristine estuaries, wildlife refuges, native bush, rural scenery and small friendly communities.
Waipū Village
Waipū village is rich in Scottish heritage, and boasts a great selection of local art, crafts, markets and cafes. The Waipū Highland Games, the oldest running highland event in the southern hemisphere, is held every New Year’s Day. People come from around the world to dance and compete in traditional Celtic challenges.
Waipū Museum
The Waipū Museum tells the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest migrations; the Scottish Highlanders who travelled to Nova Scotia, Australia and then on to Waipū, is told through interactive museum displays and old world collections. Heritage trails run from the museum and take in historic sites such as Norman McLeod’s house, the Church, the Caledonian Park and the Blacksmiths.
Markets
The Waipū Boutique Sunday Market is held every second Sunday of the month.
Enjoy the Waipū Street Market on several dates including long weekends.
Waipū Cycle / Walkway
A 2.5 kilometre cycle and walkway from Waipū Village to Riverview Place with the remaining 5.5 km to Waipū Cove able to be ridden on the road.
Waipū cycle and walkway
Waipū Cove
A white sandy beach with a river and rocky outcrops at the south end. Enjoy superb views of offshore islands Taranga and Marotere (the Hen & Chicks) and the dramatic Whangārei Heads skyline to the north east. Large trees provide shade and the grassy public spaces are great for picnics. The beach is patrolled by Waipū Cove Surf Life Saving lifeguards over summer.
Take a dream ride...
Experience the joy of riding a horse along a perfect white sandy beach:
Waipū Coastal Walkway
Along this trail, you will see and can climb, rock formations similar to the famous pancake rocks at Punakaiki. Stunning panoramas and hidden coves and beaches are revealed around every corner. The walk is accessible from both ends via Cove Road. At the Waipū Cove end, access is across a usually shallow river, so check the tides before setting off. Find out more about the Waipū Coastal Walkway.
Langs Beach
A stunning white sandy beach framed by craggy headlands, gnarly trees and wonderful views to offshore islands and craggy headlands. This is an excellent spot for swimming, surfing and body surfing, or for a relaxing shoreline stroll.
Wildlife Refuge
The pristine waters of the Waipū estuary provides a unique habitat for some of New Zealand’s rarest birds. Among the species which feed and breed here are the critically endangered Tara-iti / New Zealand fairy tern. Birdwatchers may also see wrybill, reef heron and banded dotterel. Migrating godwits can also be seen at certain times of the year.
Find out more about the fairy tern
Piroa Falls
A short ten minute track through forest and over the Ahuroa River leads to the petite Piroa Falls with swimming holes along the way and at the base of the falls. Directions are signposted from SH1 just south of Waipū.
Offshore Islands
The islands that can be seen from shore are Taranga and Marotiri or, the Hen & Chicks. They are the remains of long dormant volcanoes, once part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and are now a wildlife sanctuary. Landing on the islands is prohibited without a permit. The landmark Sail Rock lies just to the south and is a common mark used for yacht racing.
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