Image: Russell Street | Creative Commons
Piroa Falls.
Waipū area

Located in the Northland region

Enjoy picturesque falls and walking tracks. Camp by a sandy surf beach. Explore limestone caves, complete with glow worms.
  • 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.

Vehicle restricted areas on beaches

Rules for vehicle access on beaches has changed in several place around Northland/ Te Tai Tokerau. This means you can no longer drive on the beach in some places in this area. See Northland Regional Council’s website for more information and a map of where vehicles are not allowed.

The Waipū 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 Waipū 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.

Waipū 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 Waipū Museum.