Waipu accommodation

A worthwhile detour on the journey north is the loop from Kaiwaka to Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach, Waipu Cove and the town of Waipu.

Mangawhai Heads has a surf beach on one side and a large harbour on the other. On the far side of the harbour is a large sand dune area that's administered by the Department of Conservation. The dunes are home to fairy terns, Caspian terns, variable oystercatchers and New Zealand dotterels. Mangawhai Heads and the village of Mangawhai are linked by a picturesque causeway surrounded by native wetlands and bush.

Langs Beach is an area of holiday homes with extensive views of the Whangarei Heads and the Hen and Chicken Islands. Waipu Cove, another magnificent ocean beach, is patrolled by life guards during the summer months. When the conditions are right, the beach is popular with surfers.

Before you rejoin the main highway you’ll come to Waipu, a friendly town with strong a Scottish heritage, which can be appreciated at the Waipu Heritage Centre. The area was settled by Scottish Highlanders who moved from Nova Scotia in the 1850s. Waipu is known internationally for its Highland Games, celebrated annually on New Year's Day.