Wairoa River

The Wairoa Riverside Walk & Cycleway winds 5km along the banks of the scenic Wairoa River.

Built from solid Kauri, the Wairoa Lighthouse was in use from 1878 to 1960.

The full Māori name of the river is 'Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōnengenenge Mātangi Rau', which means the long water which bubbles, swirls and is uneven.

Broken hill country, deep ravines and geologically unstable terrain dissuaded early travellers from venturing too far inland on the torturous journey between Napier and Wairoa.

The town of Wairoa gets its name from the river the runs through the middle of the township - Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōnengenenge Mātangi Rau, which in Māori means 'the long water which bubbles, swirls and is uneven'.

The Ngaruroro runs for 164km from its source, emptying into Hawke Bay near Clive - sharing a river mouth with the Tutaekuri River and Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (Clive River) to form the Waitangi Estuary.

Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (formerly the Clive River) follows the original course of the lower section of the Ngaruroro River that flows for about 7km from Pakowhai Road Bridge northeast of Hastings, to join the mouth of the Ngaruroro River flowing into Hawke Bay.

The Tutaekuri river offers over 130km of fishable water.

This wide, smooth path affords stunning views across the Pacific Ocean, Tukituki River and countless vineyards (it's the GREEN section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

Wairoa's destination playground opened in the centre of town in late 2017, with additional features added in late 2018.

The Tukituki River flows for 117 kilometres, east and then northeast, passing through the town of Waipukurau before flowing into Hawke Bay close to the city of Hastings.

The Wairoa District Heritage Museum is housed in the old Union Bank of Australia building which is registered with the New Zealand Historical Places Trust.

This July and August, Aotearoa’s hard rock juggernauts Devilskin will hit the road for six massive shows across the country, performing the entirety of their chart-topping 2016 album Be Like The River in celebration of its 10-year anniversary.

Newly refurbished riverside farmstay chalets and our brand-new handmade 2-bedroom cottage (completed May 2026) sit just a short walk from the pristine Mohaka River.

This short walk runs along the northern bank of the Wairoa River - referred to as 'North Clyde'.

Over rolling farmland, forest tracks, hills, and river crossings, experience some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest horse trekking trails with our highly experienced, safety-conscious, and genuinely fun guides - including an ex high-country shepherd with some great yarns from his shepherding days.

The Mohaka River headwaters are found in the Kaweka and Kaimanawa ranges.

This is a lovely 18 hole course in a rural setting, with some obstacles offering a challenge to the golfer.

Experience beach, river and winery rides on well-mannered, well-trained horses using natural horsemanship techniques.

The Wairoa Mountain Bike Park track incorporates 7km of trails, and is loosely based on Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Red Woods Mountain Bike Park.

Belying it's official name as the Water Ride, this section of the Hawke's Bay Trails takes in a range of rural and urban landscapes, albeit many with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Ahuriri Lagoon and Tutaekuri River (it's the ORANGE section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

The Tukituki Trail is dual-purpose limestone tracks on the banks of the Tukituki River between the towns of Waipukurau and Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular Department of Conservation camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for excursions up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park.

Camping in self-contained vehicles is permitted on any area owned by the local authority within the district unless prohibited.

Lake Waikaremoana is located in Te Urewera in the North Island of New Zealand, 60 kilometres northwest of Wairoa.

This is a long trail (200km) that traverses a wide variety of scenery from the flat pastoral and viticulture land of the Heretaunga Plains to the mountainous high country foothills of the Ruahine and Wakarara ranges.

Significant Points Havelock North Information Centre Middle Road Lucknow Lodge Providencia Country House Birdwoods Gallery Webb's Nursery Webster's Hydrated Lime Co.

Take a turn right at Frasertown onto Tiniroto Road.

Locals enjoy coming to Whakamahia to go fishing, particularly for kahawai and snapper.

There are a number of designated Council sites where overnight camping by Certified Self-Contained vehicles are permitted.

Currents Calling Home features Japanese artist Ai Iwane and Aotearoa-based research collective Mānawatia te Wai.

  Craggy Range offers a collection of boutique, self-contained retreats across our Giants Estate; each thoughtfully designed to complement our world-class hospitality.

Waihua Station Cottage offers a private visitor experience with all the comforts of modern living.

Early Māori settlers Māori settled in Hawke’s Bay around 1250–1300 AD.

On the outskirts of Waipukurau township, this excellent example of native remnant forest is a great alternative if you are short on time.

Yeoman's Track is closed due to damage sustained during Cyclone Gabrielle, with no current date for re-opening. See DOC website for details A walking track along an old logging route at the base of the Ruahine Forest Park is open for mountain bikers as well.

The walkway project is led by the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group, a community initiative including Marae, landowners and agencies whose focus is to protect the Whangawehi stream.

Things to be aware of: Drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way when you turn right.

With six stunning and unique locations, we have a venue to suit every wedding, business event, meeting and occasion.

Mohaka Rafting provides full day and multi-day adventures on grade 2, 3, and Grade 5 whitewater.

Your Wedding Day – it is your ceremony, the most precious day of your lives and I would love to be a part of it.

The Farndon Heritage Trail takes visitors through areas that have been historically associated with orchard and fruit growing industry in Hawke's Bay, as well as some sites of Māori significance.

A’Deanes Bush is the best remaining example of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains.

From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.

The road is fully sealed but is quite windy and narrow in places.

Te Urewera, home of the Tūhoe people, is the largest area of native forest in the North Island and offers a wonderful escape in ancient untouched rainforest. Please refer to the Ngai Tuhoe website for the latest updates regarding Te Urerewa access.

Lake Kaitawa is an artificial lake formed in the 1920s as part of the system delivering water to the Tuai hydro electric power station.

The Kaweka Trail provides an excellent cross-section of rural Hawke's Bay.

The total area is 374 hectares, while the highest point on the reserve is the trig station, Te Kapu, which is 397m above sea level.

Russell Park is an exciting outdoor space with lots of fun activities and big open spaces, the perfect place to enjoy some family fun.

The present sealed Napier-Taupō highway bears little resemblance to the pre-European walking trail.

Take a detour from the usual route to Lake Waikaremoana, and catch a glimpse of the stunning Putere lakes via the scenic backroads.

Visitors to the scenic reserve can enjoy the hot and cold pools of Mōrere Hot Springs, and the great wilderness on the network of walking tracks ranging from easy 10-minute native bushwalks to challenging two and three hour hikes.

The beach is a white sandy one, safe for swimming, relaxing, picnics, walking and surfing when conditions are right.

The Waipawa Pavement walk guides visitors through significant historical areas of Waipawa.  Begin the easy one-hour walk at the Heritage Trail Board in the carpark beside the Central Hawke's Bay Museum.  Waipawa has the distinction of being one of New Zealand's earliest inland towns.

The Tukituki trail is a network of trails for walkers and bikers in Central Hawke's Bay.

Coastal Wine Cycles is a young, dynamic, fun company.

Nga Hua o Mōrere hot springs has reopened!

Omatua offers a relaxed, comfortable accommodation and function venue nestled in the stunning Rissington valley, overlooking the Mangaone river.

Splash Planet is New Zealand’s only water theme park – a much-loved Hawke’s Bay icon where generations of families have made lifelong memories.

Escape the city and step into the heart of Hawke's Bay, where 3,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes and rich history await.  Nestled between the dramatic Te Mata Peak, the Tuki Tuki River, and the stunning Waimarama Beach, Te Aratipi offers 360° views of the region, including Cape Kidnappers and Te Motu-o-Kura, Bare Island.

Luxury Wine Country Cottages set in 25 acres in the heart of the Tuki Tuki Valley surrounded by Orchards and Vines by the Tuki Tuki River.

In 1992 Unison began to grow from the harsh dry river stone soils of the Gimblett Gravels.

Are you searching for a destination to unwind, and relax?

The Waipawa Golf Club is traditionally a 12 hole course located near the Waipawa River.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council does not need to be advised of your intention to camp (freedom or self-contained) in the below locations, unless it is during a restricted period.

The earliest permanent occupants of Heretaunga were Ngāti Whatumamoa and Ngāti Awa to the north of the Ngaruroro River and Te Aitanga a Whatonga to the south.

A mighty tohunga (expert or skilled person) was the master of seven giant whales.

Guided or self-catered; take a leisurely spin through a corner of New Zealand’s oldest wine region (it's the YELLOW section of the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

Hastings was named in 1873 by pastoral runholder and entrepreneur, Thomas Tanner, who had already settled in Central Hawke’s Bay a few years earlier.

To locals it’s just ‘Pukeora’.

In 1854, John Chambers built a small cottage for his family on a block of land which he leased from Kurupo Te Moananui.

Arriving in Hastings, the skyline to the west is dominated by the Kaweka Ranges with places of great beauty and historical interest.

This 1500-acre body of water is owned and managed by Whakakī Lake Trust, who are dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the wetland environment.  Whakakī Lagoon is the largest and easternmost of a string of lagoons which run close to the northern cost of Hawke Bay.

Mahanga is a white sandy beach, on the northern edge of Māhia Peninsula.

With a distinctly rural feel, Puketapu Park might be a bit off the track but it is worth the trip!

On this calm Tuesday morning in Hawke's Bay, the region was rocked by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that violently shook for three minutes.

First-time cavers can explore Mangaone Caves - enjoy karst-type features, stalactites, stalagmites and calcite wall coverings.

A picturesque 18-hole Central Hawke’s Bay golf course – situated on gently undulating old river terraces with mature tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens.

Pourerere Beach has two settlements - one as you enter the beach which is where you access the lagoon, and the second settlement with original baches, boat launch and camping ground is at the far end of the gravel road.

From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.

The Ngamoko Track is the starting point for several walks, offering varying lengths and intensities.

Ngā Ara Tipuna is a multi award-winner at the 2022 Best Designs, Supreme winner at the 2022 Hawke's Bay Heritage Awards, and Outstanding Project at the 2023 Recreation Aotearoa Awards.

Farndon Park Domain is nestled along the Clive River between Hastings and Napier.

The Highway 50 trail guides visitors through dense native bush that once covered much of the inland bay.  The trail area was developed into farmland by the cutting, clearing and milling of the bush.

The Tangoio Beach area is popular, particularly in the summer, for recreation activities, including fishing, diving and swimming.

This 10-hectare block is located at the base of Pukeora Scenic Road, Waipukurau and has a number of well-maintained tracks and bridges meandering through established and newly planted trees and plaques placed in memory of the community's loved ones.

Te Angangi Marine Reserve was established in August 1997 and is managed by the Department of Conservation.

Joe Quigley loses everything, only to get a dog.

Born in Wairoa, Northern Hawke's Bay, with most of his life spent in Napier-Hastings, Mark S.

Come with us on a magical musical journey as we shine a spotlight on the stars and unforgettable songs that lit up the stages of Broadway and the silver screens of Hollywood in Stars of Stage and Screen.

Come with us on a magical musical journey as we shine a spotlight on the stars and unforgettable songs that lit up the stages of Broadway and the silver screens of Hollywood in Stars of Stage and Screen.

Cape Kidnappers will take you on an amazing journey and adventure through some stunning locations not normally accessible to the public.

By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand.

From small, deep rockpools perfect for swimming, to spectacular rock formations, that create the pristine fishing conditions for snapper, kahawai and kingfish, this stretch of the coast is a fantastic playground for water lovers.

Nestled into the Mahia coastline, where the Maungawhio Lagoon meets the sea, you'll find Oraka Beach.