Waipu Cove is a popular swimming, surfing and fishing haunt with full facilities including picnic area, parking, toilets, public BBQ, general store with a bakery/deli and of course Waipu Cove Resort! The beach is also patrolled by the Volunteer Lifeguard Service during the holiday season and on public holidays.
Both Langs Beach, which is approximately 4km from Waipu Cove and Uretiti Beach, which is situated 5km north, are well known in the area for great surf and body-surfing.
For up to date information on the surf conditions check out the surf forecast
Waipu is rich in its Scottish heritage which begs to be investigated during your stay. The area is internationally known for the Highland Games, which are held annually on New Year's Day. This spectacular festival involves competitions in Highland and National Dancing, solo piping, athletics, massed pipe band Parades, traditional field events and New Zealand Championship Heavyweight Field Events.
In June, July and August, the 'Winter@Waipu Festival' features events and promotions in the Waipu area.
At the local Waipu Museum, you can also learn about the great migration of Scottish Highlanders, who established the Waipu settlement here when they moved from Nova Scotia over 150 years ago.
For all the nature-lovers amongst you, Waipu River Mouth and Estuary at the end of Johnson Point Road are approximately 3km south east of Waipu. This refuge has international significance and is the nesting area for New Zealand dotterel, variable oyster catcher and New Zealand fairy tern. Other species include reef heron, ryebill, caspian tern and banded dotterel - all are protected, rare or threatened species.
Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge situated at the Ruakaka River Mouth is a breeding area for New Zealand dotterel and variable oyster catchers.
Waipu Cove Resort, which is between two golf courses; Mangawhai Golf Club and Waipu Golf Club, and is also close to three nationally known gardens.
Follow the road about 16km north and you'll discover approximately 300 metres of explored passageways in the Waipu Caves. You can explore the main cave and see one of the longest stalagmites in New Zealand and your spirits will be illuminated by the glow worms that inhabit the caves.
For further information and ideas on what to see and do in Northland please visit:
