Top Things to Do in Wairoa
Things to Do in Wairoa
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14 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Gardens
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Shane D5 contributionsWe are a family of four (mid 40's and two teenagers)
Here was our trip
Hopuruahine Landing - Waiharuru Hut (3.5 hrs)
Waiharuru Hut - Waiopaoa Hut (5.5 hrs + half hour stop for lunch at Marauiti Hut)
Waiopaoa Hut - Onepoto Carpark (2.5 hrs to Panekiri Hut, 2.5 hrs to carpark)
We tend to walk at a pretty quick quick pace and the last day was fast because the weather was horrible.
Waiharuru Hut - This is a modern hut and huge. Separate cooking areas and sleeping areas. Sleeping area is all single bunks. The downside to this hut is that it is so big it is hard to heat unless you get the fire cranking for a long time. Only a problem in the middle of winter.
Marauiti Hut - Older hut but cosy and in good condition.
Waiopaoa Hut - Nice hut. Modern and well set out.
Panekiri Hut - Getting a bit tired. Its a very cold hut in the winter with no dry firewood available. Apart from that no different than most back country huts.
A couple of comments that might be helpful
1) This is a beautiful part of the country and a fantastic 3 to 4 day tramp.
2) The track is generally in very good condition although is starting to show signs of lack of maintenance in some areas with water erosion and fallen trees making some parts a little more technical.
3) It gets very cold in this area in the winter and most of the huts had little or no dry fire wood. Be prepared.
4) The water taxi operators are hopeless. It was hard work booking and the information on the website is wrong. When we arrived for our ride we were told the skipper "was in town with CEO" so we had to take the road to the start of the rack. It meant an extra 1.5 hours walk in the dark for us which was OK because we were prepared. Not sure what it meant for the people we walked past at Wanganui Hut that were waiting for the water taxi to get them out??
1) The water taxi operators are hopeless. Poor communication and hard work making the booking. On the day we arrived to be told that the skipper was "in town with the CEO" and wouldn't be back in time to take us to our destination. Instead of getting the water taxi to Wanganui Hut we were driven to Hopuruahine Landing. This meant an extra hour of walking to get to the utWritten 18 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Patrick MWairoa, New Zealand5 contributionsMiind blowing. Got to see it to believe it. Only one of 5 venues displayed in NZ. Off to Waioru 30th June.Written 4 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Richard W23 contributionsWe were invited to take part in a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. The Maori elders welcomed us and we responded with a greeting in Welsh and a song.Written 6 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Daisey_loversHawke's Bay Region, New Zealand18 contributionsWe loved the caves although it was hard to find the track initially. The walk was enjoyable, through a scenic track along the property. The caves had a staircase down into them. Caving equipment is essential.Written 16 July 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Grant NHastings, New Zealand1,268 contributionsMade the side trip to see the falls. Confluence of two rivers through a gorge - very good after rain but interesting regardless. Apart from the falls and some information boards there's not a lot to see - but it's quiet, peaceful and the road is through NZ back country so quite interesting and scenic. The old viewing platform appears to have been removed (presumably for safety's sake but a good view is still available as well as a view from the bridge on the road - very little traffic so pretty safe - but still keep an eye on the children. Worth a visit for the scenery and the historyWritten 22 March 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Brian J24 contributionsUnfortunately the gallery looks like closing as the grants have dried up. This is a gallery of local artists and it ranges through paintings , sculpture and pottery that is a pleasure to wander through.Written 22 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- WagaitwagNorthland Region, New Zealand434 contributionsThe staff on duty provided us with a wealth of information, and were enthusiastic about the region, a great asset.Written 24 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jan LWairoa6 contributionsIt is a lovely spot to look out to sea, there is a picnic table to sit at and the area has been cleared for parking. You can see where the old wharf was and it is a great view from Pilot Hill. It is also where the river mouth from Wairoa, meets the sea.Written 22 January 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 500Chris500Wellington, New Zealand154 contributionsIt's years since I have been in Wairoa. I was thrilled with the transformation of the Wairoa River Walkway. The scattering of tables and seating, fresh paint and well laid out walkway made it a delight. Enjoyed the Portland Lighthouse display and the local historical information boards. I think the Council( or whoever was responsible) should be proud of what they have achievedWritten 12 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Fergus PChristchurch, New Zealand174 contributionsJust on the outskirts of the picturesque riverside township of Wairoa lies this 2.5 hectare country garden and orchard - framed by a beautiful backdrop of large deciduous trees. This hedge-enclosed garden features garden rooms of topiary, roses, perennials, willow art, pottery and a kai (edible) garden - this garden has been created from bare ground with loving care and transports you to another world as you wander through a sea of blooms and scents. Keith and Kaye also sell some plants, including fantastic lemon grass plants - so if you are a chef with a need for great lemon grass - this is the place to visit!Written 28 December 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jeff BBrentwood, UK737 contributionsAs part of our Lake Waikaremoana day we finished with a drive and then a two hour walk to this place. It was a lovely walk and it finished on the lake shore at an information hut with boat launching facilites. The place was deserted. The water was crystal clear and surrounded by forest. It was a very hot day and simply magnificent. Go if you canWritten 13 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- shelzaAucklandAuckland, New Zealand71 contributionsAlthough you wouldn't normally see a lighthouse on the corner of a roundabout, it did peak our interest. Great information shared. Right below it is a great playground and toilets, so you have kids in tow, you need to stop here.Written 5 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Adara AWellington, New Zealand58 contributionsGreat cinema. Wasn’t busy but should be as it’s such a lovely venue. Hope they will be there always.Written 8 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- louisehQ1632FRNapier, New Zealand28 contributionsLovely shop and happy staff. Lots of variety of things to look at and buy. Sells flowers as well as gifts.Written 10 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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