Located in the Northland region
Dolphin and whale-watching can be done in the area.
An estuary near the mouth of the Waipu River is good for bird-watching, with many waders including the NZ dotterel, oyster catchers and fairy terns.
Explore limestone caves with stalagtites, stalagmites and glow worms near the entrance on the Waipu Caves Track.
The Waipu sandspit and Mangawhai sand dunes are dominant features of Bream Bay/Piroa and the Mangawhai areas.
There are 2 wildlife refuges in this area, the Waipu Government Purpose Wildlife Refuge and Mangawhai Government Purpose Wildlife Refuge. This makes the area a hotspot for bird watching as it's home to many threatened and migratory birds.
Waipu and Mangawhai are breeding grounds for the critically endangered tara-iti/New Zealand fairy tern. You can also see kuaka/bar-tailed godwits, taranui/caspian terns, tōrea pango/variable oystercatchers and the tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterels.
Scottish history is a feature of the little town of Waipu. You can discover more about Waipu’s history at the Waipu Museum.
Whangarei Office | |
Phone: | +64 9 470 3300 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | whangarei@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
2 South End Ave Raumanga Whangarei 0110 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 842 Whangarei 0140 |
Full office details |