Wairoa Population: 9,900
Wairoa is the main town of Northern Hawkes Bay and is the gateway to Lake Waikaremoana, Mahia Peninsula and the wilderness of Te Urewera National Park. Wairoa in Maori means ‘Long Water’ and is located on the banks of the expansive Wairoa River, which provides an excellent and sheltered venue for water-skiing, jet boating and rowing. The town offers a pleasant, relaxed lifestyle, perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Your first port of call should be the Wairoa i-SITE Visitor Centre on the corner of SH2 and Queen Street for maps and information about local attractions. These local attractions include the Portland Island Lighthouse, built on the island from solid kauri and used from 1878 to the mid-1950s. The lighthouse was moved to its present position in 1961. Kopu Pitiera Memorial Stone, opposite the library on the riverbank serves as a memorial to a turbulent period in Wairoa's history during the 1860s. Kopu was a major figure in the conflicts of the time. Wairoa was once a river port with wool, flax, fibre, meat and dairy products as the main exports of the area.
The Heritage Trail walk starts on Marine Parade and is abound with historic sites such as River Wharf, the most substantial remaining wharf of the export era and pretty picnic spots. After a long day walking, fishing or sightseeing visit the Morere Hot Springs on SH2, 40 minutes from Wairoa.
There is a range of accommodation in the area.
Lake Waikaremoana
Famous for its fresh water trout fishing and hunting, Lake Waikaremoana is also home to one of New Zealand’s top 10 walks.
The lake is set on the southeastern boundary of Te Urewera National Park, 67km from Wairoa. Te Urewera National Park is the third largest in New Zealand extending over some 225,000ha and is the largest untouched native forest in the North Island.
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is a 46km, three to four day tramping track of moderate difficulty following the lakeshore for most of its length. Booking is required if you wish to stay overnight in one of the five huts and five camp sites on the track. Bookings can be made at the Booking Desk at the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre by telephone, fax, letter, or email.
Geologists believe the lake was formed about 2200 years ago after a huge landslide that blocked the Waikaretaheke River. Birdlife includes up to 35 fully protected native species, which may be seen or heard. New Zealand's only two native land mammals, both species of bats, inhabit the park.
The Department of Conservation cares for Te Urewera National Park and the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre. Officially opened in 1976, the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, picturesquely nestled amongst the trees, houses displays, audiovisual material and park information.
This is an area for sports and outdoor activities. Pig and deer hunting is a popular pastime but requires a permit. Fishing for both rainbow and brown trout in the lakes and rivers is excellent - anglers require a Rotorua Trout Fishing District Licence. Tramping is available throughout the park from short relaxed walks to longer expeditions – make sure you leave your itinerary at Park Headquarters.
Water sports can be enjoyed with boat ramps at various sign posted locations while camping and picnic spots are also signposted. No animals are to be brought into the National Park area.
Mahia Peninsula
Part of Northern Hawkes Bay, the Mahia Peninsula is surrounded by the deep blue and crystal clear Pacific Ocean, which breaks onto a mix of black and white sandy and rocky beaches
Mahia is an easy 90 minute drive north from Napier via Wairoa, Hawkes Bay’s northern most town. It is a mecca for outdoor activities like fishing, diving, kayaking and surfing.
Beaches worth visiting include the black sand of Black’s Beach, which on a clear day provides views across to Napier, Opoutama and Mahia Beach for excellent sheltered swimming spots. On the Gisborne side of the peninsula Mahanga Beach and The Reefs offer excellent surfing, sheltered coves and rock pools at low tide.
Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve is one of the last large tracts of lowland coastal forest remaining on the East Coast and the 3.5km loop track takes you through a range of native vegetation.
Mahia offers lots of accommodation. There are excellent camping spots at Mahia Beach and near Whangawehi Harbour on the eastern side. There are several B&Bs, homestays and farmstays within the area. Mahia has a few dining options with the local pub, Sunset Point Sports Bar and Bistro, offering great seafood.
After a day on the golf course or the water, head inland via the Wairoa-Gisborne highway to the Morere Hot Springs. These are set in a nikau-predominant native bush reserve with superb walking tracks. After an easy or challenging bushwalk relax the muscles in one of several hot pools.