Waipu area
Located in the Northland region
Introduction
Enjoy picturesque falls and walking tracks. Camp by a sandy surf beach. Explore limestone caves, complete with glow worms.Find things to do and places to stay Waipu area
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.
- Give birds space to avoid disturbing them. Stay 50 m from roosting birds.
- If you see a banded bird, you can help bird conservation by reporting it.
- No dogs or horses are allowed in this area.
- Drone use is prohibited.
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.
Stop kauri dieback and protect kauri
- Kauri dieback disease is spread through soil.
- Scrub soil off shoes and gear and check it's all removed before you go.
- Use a cleaning station when you enter and leave.
- Always stay on the track.
Contacts
| 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 | |
