A unique coastal town full of Scottish pride and picturesque natural features!

Less than 2 hours’ drive from Auckland you’ll find the quiet coastal town of Waipu. Despite its small size (population: 3,500), Waipu is big on heart and has a rich history and heritage which you can easily experience.

As well as this, you’ll be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery that includes coastline, native bush, waterfalls and pancake rocks (yes, pancake rocks!)

Plenty of things to discover then so let’s get cracking!

The history of Waipu

Like many small towns in New Zealand, Waipu has a unique and interesting history which dates back to the 1850’s when 800 Scottish settlers, led by preacher Norman McLeod, purchased land and settled in the area.

The stories of these migrations, a result of the Highland Clearances, are legendary not just in New Zealand but across the world. The migrants’ will and determination paid off as they built the town from the ground up creating work around fishing, shipbuilding and farming.

The settlers also established the Waipu Caledonian Society in the 1870’s to promote and maintain their cultural roots. Part of what they did was organise and arrange the annual Waipu Highland Games which has been held every year for over 140 years.

Things to do in Waipu

As mentioned earlier, Waipu is a beautiful coastal town, which will please beach lovers from far and wide. Many of the great things to do in Waipu are based around this, but that’s not the be-all and end-all of the experience by any stretch.

Waipu Caves Track

One of the biggest drawcards for the area are the Waipu Caves which you can access via the Waipu Caves Track, a 2 km return walk that takes about an hour and a half to complete.

The Waipu Caves are known for their karst limestone landscape and weather rocks. The stalagmites and stalactites are a sight to behold but better still are the glow worms that call the caves home.

It can get a little dark and wet in the caves and wet weather clothes/shoes certainly don’t go amiss with a lot of people donning headlamps as well. It’s a great natural feature and one that you definitely have to visit for your trip to Waipu.

Waipu Pancake Rocks

Another great natural feature that Waipu has to boast is its own form of Pancake Rocks, much like the famed Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, just a little smaller and much fewer crowds.

You can get to the Pancake Rocks via the Waipu Coastal Track which takes you around the cove, past an old Maori Pa settlement where you can appreciate the beautiful views of the Whangarei Heads.

You also have the option to walk straight to the Pancake Rocks themselves from Waipu Cove which saves a bit of time if you have a tight schedule. Also, if you’re relatively nimble and well-balanced, you can climb on the rocks themselves and pull your favourite pose for photos or simply admire the view of the coastal seas.

Waipu Museum

It’s great visiting the local museums in New Zealand when you get the chance, especially in the hidden gems if they happen to have them. The big national museums are great of course, but you can get so much intimate detail from a museum that has a local focus.

The Waipu Museum is no exception and uses interactive displays and collections to chronicle the history of the town as well as describe the epic migration by the Scottish Settlers mentioned earlier.

It has loads of information, fantastic local staff and a lovely gift shop, all of which is why it’s considered one of the best little museums in New Zealand!

Waipu Horse Adventures

For those who love animals and want to take a step back in time, then a Waipu Horse Adventure may just be the experience you’re after.

Waipu Horse Adventures offers horse riding treks along the picturesque Waipu coastline. This includes daily hour-long treks along the unspoilt beaches with experienced riders that can accommodate riders of all levels.

They also do 1 or 2 hour Moonlight Horse Treks which are even more magical with the beautiful calm seas shimmering in the moonlight.

Waipu Golf Club

You might not realise it, but New Zealand has globally, the second most golf courses per capita ahead of all countries besides Scotland.

Given Waipu’s Scottish heritage, it’s no surprise then that it too has a golf club where visitors can enjoy a round or two should they please. The course at the Waipu Golf Club overlooks the spectacular Bream Bay with mesmerising views of the sea.

With immaculate greens, a nice range of difficulty between holes and a delightful cafe, it’s a great way to spend a few hours as a fan of the game.

Piroa Falls Track

For a short but lovely walk, the Piroa Falls Track is one not to miss taking you through untouched native New Zealand bush to the magnificent Piroa Falls.

The falls are in the Waipu Gorge Scenic reserve and the track takes you along the Ahuroa River, crossing a bridge before you get to the base of the impressive falls.

Besides being a beautiful sight there’s also a nice little picnic area to enjoy. There are also swimming spots to take a dip en route, as well as the main swimming hole under the falls.

Events and festivals in Waipu

Like many small towns in New Zealand, a great way to experience them is when the whole community gathers for one of their annual festivals. There are a number of fantastic events to choose from in and around Waipu which we’ve highlighted below.

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