Discover the heart of northern Hawke's Bay
Wairoa township is the heart of Northern Hawke’s Bay, and for good reason. Rich with Māori and colonial history, Wairoa has a close-knit community who are ready to welcome visitors to their town with genuine manaakitanga.
So once you’ve hit the tried-and-true café stops – a pie from Oslers and a coffee from East End Café – it might just be time to dig a little deeper and discover for yourself that there’s more than meets the eye in this charming wee town.
To get expert advice on exploring Wairoa District, connect with the Wairoa i-SITE Information Centre.
Manawa Wairoa
A great place to stop while journeying on the Pacific Coast Highway, Manawa Wairoa is a health food and produce store that sells high quality, organic local goods. Stock up on delicious, quality food and goods at Manawa Wairoa, and grab something out of the cabinet to keep you well fed during your time in the Wairoa District.
Hot tip: If you’re looking for anything special, or simply want to know what to do for the afternoon, Manawa owner Amanda is a treasure trove of advice, tips and insights – she’ll have you feeling like a local in no time!
Wairoa Museum
The Wairoa District Heritage Museum is situated at 142 Marine Parade Wairoa and opened at the present site in 2001. It is housed in the old Union Bank of Australia building, which is now registered with the New Zealand Historical Places Trust. The museum presents historical displays related to the Māori and European history of the Wairoa area and surrounding districts.
The strength of this museum lies in its photographic collections that present a pictorial history from the 1890s through to the present day. There is also a very strong collection of Māori taonga.
Wairoa River Walk & Cycleway
The Wairoa Township Riverside Walk & Cycleway winds 5km along the banks of the Wairoa River. Starting from Wairoa's historic Portland Island Lighthouse, the walkway follows the river into the CBD, then on to Pilot Hill, where the river meets the sea.
A recent extension of the walkway makes this now 7.9km trail a coastal walkway too, ending at Whakamahia Beach Scenic Reserve. The walkway has become a mainstay in the recreational activities of both residents and visitors alike. On any day of the week, people can be seen enjoying the pathway, whether it be taking a leisurely stroll, running or cycling with the family.
Bloom'n Loco
Bloom'n Loco is a gorgeous florist and gift store on Wairoa’s main street; one that wouldn’t look out of place along Ponsonby Road in Auckland. A warm and inviting, Bloom'n Loco have a fantastic product range, especially for a small town, and the variety means there’s something for everyone.
The knowledgeable staff go above and beyond to find something that suits you, with stunning fresh and dried flowers available, as well as small treats, beauty and skin products, stunning homewares, jewellery and local art.
Whakamāhia Beach
Whakamāhia Beach is known for its tumultuous surf, black pebble beach, driftwood and other toanga which the tides leave behind. While this beach is not safe for swimming it is a treasure trove worth exploring.
Get creative and build some artwork out of the driftwood or just relax and enjoy the view and the sounds of the ocean. When the seasons are right, you can light a bonfire here and locals will extoll the wonderful fishing and surf casting to be had.
The lagoon behind the beach is a nature reserve and is a good spot for bird watching. Among the birds to be spotted are Gulls, Mallards, Canadian Geese, Pied Stilts, Oyster Catchers, Banded Dotterels and sometimes Royal Spoonbills and White Heron.
Wairoa Riverside Motorcamp
The Riverside Motor Camp is on the banks of the Wairoa River, close to town, allowing you to fully explore this charming township.
It is a community complex, with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as coin operated washing machines and dryers. There is a TV Lounge, children's play area and a coin operated BBQ.
What’s more, it's pet friendly - cats and small dogs are welcome, and fully equipped tourist cabins are also available.
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