Overlooking the waters of Bream Bay, Waipu is a picturesque town with a rich Scottish heritage. It’s home to a sweeping stretch of Pacific Ocean beach and an impressive golf course, together with karst caves filled with glowworms.
Things to do in Waipu
Learn about the town’s Scottish heritage at the Waipu Museum, where interactive exhibits detail the Highland Clearances and the long voyages taken by migrants en route to New Zealand. Discover your own links to this legacy with the help of the museum’s genealogists or shop for handcrafted local ceramics, woodwork and jewellery in the gift shop.
Stretch your legs during a round of golf at the Waipu Golf Club, which boasts panoramic views of the Whangarei Heads and the Hen and Chicken Islands. Tackle the signature 10th hole, which watches over Bream Bay, or hone your skills on the practice range, then enjoy a coffee or freshly-baked pie at the Tee Cafe.
Relax on the sands of Waipu Cove, a long stretch of beach safe for swimming, or hop on a board and try your hand at surfing. Explore the rock pools or cast a fishing line to see what’s biting before grabbing a refreshing drink or light meal at a beachside cafe.
Follow the walking trail through the Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve’s open grasslands while taking in the magnificent views across Whangarei Harbour to Bream Head. Venture into the subterranean caves to admire the stalactites and stalagmites, together with thousands of glow worms.
Getting around Waipu
Waipu is just under two hours’ drive from Auckland and Auckland International Airport or just 40 minutes from Whangarei Airport. The tiny town can easily be explored on foot, but having your own vehicle is best for accessing the sights surrounding Waipu.