15 Fun Things to Do in Waipu & Bream Bay for Everyone

We based ourselves in Waipu Cove, near the centre of the 22 km stretch of golden and white sand beaches that outline the sparkling clear waters of Bream Bay. Here we were perfectly positioned for a couple of weeks of relaxation, swimming, or hiking. In fact, we found plenty of things to do in Waipu and beyond.

The picturesque coastal region of Bream Bay runs from Langs Beach to Ruakaka along the east coast of Northland, New Zealand.

Here we found impressive views, estuaries, wildlife refuges, caving, blueberries, walking trails, and so much more. The quintessential beach community vibes are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, our home city less than two hours away.

Read on as we share our latest adventure exploring the many things to do in Waipu New Zealand, and the rest of Bream Bay.

Things to do in Waipu and Bream Bay

• Hit the beach
• Discover Pancake Rocks along the Waipu Coastal Walkway
• Explore Waipu Caves
• Learn the history at the Waipu Museum
• Follow the Heritage Trail
• Horse trek along the coastline
• Enjoy a coffee
• Go blueberry picking
• See Black Magic at Marsden Cove
• Watch for endangered birds
• Check out a waterfall
• Attend a local farmers’ market
• Play at the Waipu Golf Club
• Go fishing
• Stretch your legs on the Waipu Cycle Walkway

map of the Best Things to do in Waipu and Bream Bay

Click the expand / collapse icon in the upper left corner of the map for the details and interactive options.

HIt the Beach: Relax or surf at Waipu Cove, Ruakaka or Langs Beach

Bream Bay is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. We found it to live up to this reputation. With lots of options we spent most of our beach time at Waipu Cove (mostly because we were staying there) but did explore nearly all of the others.

Here’s some of the notable beaches in the area listed here from South to North – the way we drove as we came from Auckland:

• Langs Beach
  A picturesque white-sand beach with crystal clear waters surrounded by craggy headlands. Langs is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. It was lovely even on a cloudy day.
• Waipu Cove
  Often patrolled by Surf Lifesaving, this beach is perfect for families or anyone. The golden sands of Waipu Cove beckoned us to unwind and soak in the serene beauty of the coast while the gently lapping waves, scenic views, and nearby facilities completed our relaxation. It’s also a great place to learn to surf. Depending on your lesson time, you can get up to 40% off adult surf lessons with this link or off of kid’s surf lessons here.
• Uretiti Beach
  So close, and yet we have somehow never made it to this long stretch of coast known for its camping facilities. Uretiti is great for those looking to stay overnight and enjoy stargazing by the beach and for horse trekking (see below). And a quick warning – South of the camp, it’s often a naturist beach.
• Marsden Cove
  Part of a marina development, we never actually found a beach here, but rather a marina with a surprise (see below).
• One Tree Point
  A quieter spot known for its serene environment, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere, we found it more of a place to sit and enjoy life than a beach.
• Ruakaka Beach
  Known for its white sands and surf-friendly waves, Ruakaka is probably my favourite of the Bream Bay beaches. Also a Surf Lifesaving patrolled beach, it seemed to be a popular spot for relaxation, water sports, and long beach walks along its 13 km shoreline.

Discover Pancake Rocks along the Waipu Coastal Walkway

The Waipu Coastal Walkway from Langs Beach to Waipu Cove features stunning, expansive coastal views, but its real treasure is the Pancake Rocks. It tops my personal list of what to do in Waipu, although I put the beaches ahead on the page as they are generally the most popular.

We had seen Pancake Rocks once before, in Punakaiki on the west coast of the South Island. And, according to the Waipu trial signage, they can be found only there and here.

The walk takes about 90 minutes each way, and is best done close to low tide, as you need to cross a very tidal stream at both ends. We started about 20 minutes before low tide and were able to step without getting wet feet, whereas at high tide the water was midcalf or higher (we only looked, we didn’t step). At the far end, we simply turned back at Dings Bay and avoided crossing the stream.

What are Pancake Rocks?

They are natural phenomena where layers of sedimentary rock have been compressed over centuries to form what appear to be giant stacks of pancakes. This intricate layering, coupled with the erosive forces of wind and water, has sculpted these formations into stunning patterns and shapes.

Explore Waipu Caves

There are two completely different caving opportunities at Waipu. We have done both and written a detailed comparison of the two Waipu Caves here. Both are beautiful and are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, cave weta, fossils, and glow worms. They are one of many impressive places to see glow worms in New Zealand. What makes them each unique:

• Waipu Caves
  This public cave on DOC land is free to enter at your own risk. There is no trail, and visitors typically have to walk through water, get muddy, and maneuver through some tighter areas. It’s ideal for those with an adventurous spirit, those on a budget, and people with some caving experience (recommended). You will need sturdy, waterproof shoes, a personal light source, and knowledge of the current weather, as the caves can flood in rain.
• Waipu Caves Farm Park – Milky Way Glow Worm Tour
  Accessible only by tour, this cave located on private land is suitable for most people. There are paved walking paths and rails, while the natural features are untouched. The guides are knowledgeable, and everything you need is provided. We got closer to the glow worms here than any glow worm experience we have had before.

Hike the Waipu Caves Walkway

The 2-kilometre hiking track on the hillside surrounding the caves takes you past huge weathered boulders and up to a ridgeline offering panoramic views across Whangarei Harbour. The karst landscape is magnificent, although prone to sinkholes.

It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top, stop, and enjoy the view, and return on the same trail.

Learn About the Scottish Migration history at the Waipu Museum

This little gem is actually New Zealand’s only regional museum to receive a UNESCO inscription. Here, we found the fascinating history of the Scottish Highlanders who immigrated first to Nova Scotia, Canada, then Australia, then to New Zealand, settling in Waipu in the 1850’s.

While the museum storyboards are fascinating, some of the smaller artefacts captured my attention. Odd things like a child-size kilt in one of the display drawers or the story of Giant Angus McAskill, who grew to 2.36m (7 feet 9 inches). 

From tools to trade, the Waipu Museum is worth a visit. It’s also the first building on the local heritage trail and one of NZ’s best museums.

Follow the Heritage Trail

After picking up a little booklet filled with historical information and interesting stories, Jeff and I set off to find the 30 buildings on the trail. While nearly all are repurposed and many lived in, they all have markers describing their original purpose.

We discovered an old post office, school, church, fire station, and even a sewing shop. We couldn’t find them all, and not for a lack of looking. It turns out some don’t exist anymore, like the boarding house that burned down years ago. 

If you don’t want to purchase the Heritage Trail walking map booklet, you can snap a photo of the map and legend from the Welcome to Waipu sign outside the museum. What you will be giving up is the interesting history of some of the structures.

Horse trek along the coastline

Horseback riding is a great way to explore the stunning coastline. The typical adventure lasts about 90 minutes, and you will see Uretiti Beach, Whangarei Heads, and local bushland.

Although we haven’t done this, after reading the impressive reviews, we feel comfortable with our recommendation. Best of all, depending on the day you select you can get up to a 40% discount with this link.

Enjoy a coffee

There are lots of options in town, and we listed our favourites in the section below. However, the best coffee I have had in New Zealand to date is in Mangawhai Heads, which is about 20 minutes down the road from Waipu Cove and just south of Bream Bay along the coast. It’s a little place called Brewed As.

Go blueberry picking

This one is seasonal, but if you are visiting in the summer or very early autumn, and if you love blueberries even half as much as I do, you will want to check out Blueberry Country.

Jeff and I had a blast picking blueberries. The farm’s setup made it easy for us to dive straight into the rows of lush blueberry bushes, bucket in hand. To add to our fun, we could eat blueberries to our heart’s content—and we did!

See Black Magic at Marsden Cove

I was surprised and delighted to find NZL 60 Black Magic at Marsden Cove Marina. It is the winner of the 30th America’s Cup race in 2000, and the second NZ boat to win the race. The first NZL 32 was also named Black Magid and won in 1995.

Watch for endangered birds

One of the nice things about protected areas like Waipu’s Wildlife Refuge Reserve is the vast number of birds we can spot. From endangered fairy terns and dotterels to oystercatchers, remember to keep your eyes open for birdlife on the beaches.

There is a similar wildlife reserve in Ruakaka.

Check out a waterfall

Often called the Waipu Waterfall, Piroa Falls is a lovely surprise sort of hidden away. The walk to them is fairly short (about 10 minutes).

It crosses a stream on a boardwalk without rails, so keep an eye on little ones. The falls and stream look quite different in a dry summer than they do in winter, but either way, there is a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls.

More things to do in Waipu and Bream Bay (that we haven’t done yet)

• If it’s Sunday, check out the Waipū Boutique Sunday Market. It’s held every second Sunday at the Coronation Hall. Even bigger, four times a year (usually long weekends), you can visit the Waipū Street Market. 
• Enjoy a round of golf at the Waipu Golf Club, best known for impressive sea views from all 18 holes.
• Join a charter and go fishing.
• Stretch your legs on the 2.5km Waipu Cycle Walkway between Waipu Village and River Plaza, or simply ride a bike along the road from the Village to Waipu Cove.

Cool things to do near Bream Bay

The east coast of the Northland is one stunning beach after the next, and while Bream Bay is wonderful, we also spent some time at a few of our nearby favourites.

• Mangawhai Heads (23 min drive south) – more on this area coming soon.
• Ocean Beach (1 hour 18 min drive north) – located on Whangarei heads, there is also a lovely walking trail here.
• Matapouri Bay (1 hour 23 min drive north) – honestly, I think this is the most beautiful bay on the North Island.
• Whangarei (41 min drive north) – In addition to the Hundertwasser Centre for the Arts, there are plenty of things to do in Whangarei.

Where to eat in Waipu and Waipu Cove

• The Cove, Waipu Cove
  Seemingly the most popular spot in town for dinner, takeaway, or drinks, the Cove conveniently sits right across the road from the beach and Camp Waipu Cove. The menu is typical beach fare, with burgers, pizza, lamb, and seafood, plus there are plenty of gluten-free options. If you are also dairy-free like me, I highly recommend the Vegetariana pizza—the best GF-DF pizza I have ever tried. 
• Goody-Goody / Country Deli Cafe, Waipu
  Under new ownership, Goody-Goody Cafe is changing its name to Country Deli Cafe. Regardless of what you call it, the food and coffee were good. And for coeliacs, the owner seems to fully understand how to protect from cross-contamination.
• Logan McClean, Waipu
  This vegan deli and cafe serves coffee in disposable cups unless you bring your own mug. While the food looked great, only the sweets had gluten-free options. (Sometimes they have a gluten and dairy free pizza, but not the day we were there). However, the coffee was great!
• Feoh Espresso- Speciality Coffee, Waipu
  We didn’t get to try this one, as they only have dairy or oat milk, neither of which I can drink. That’s too bad because we have heard great things from some of the locals. A coffee roastery, they also have live music on Fridays from 4-5pm.

Where to stay in Waipu

We have had two completely different experiences staying here, along with a newer third suggestion for you.

• Camp Waipu Cove
  With something to suit everyone’s taste, the options range from fully self-contained rustic cabins to tent camping. We stayed here on our first visit, and it is beautifully located right on the beach. Reserve your cabin at Camp Waipu Cove.
• Rent a holiday house
  On our more recent visit, we rented a holiday house, still walking distance from the beach but up the hill enough to give us fabulous views. The options are quite extensive. We use BookaBach to rent holiday homes in New Zealand.
• Tent camp at Waipu Caves Farm Park
  The new kid on the block, there is also tent and motorhome camping options at Waipu Caves Farm Park.

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What will top your list of things to do in Waipu and Bream Bay?

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