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Town in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Photo: Alexander Klink, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wairoa is a town of 5,000 people in northern Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
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The lighthouse was shifted to Wairoa from Portland Island at the tip of Mahia Peninsula.
Well presented museum of local history, from early European–Maori contact to recent times.
Go to the fantastic restored theatre and watch a movie with one of the best sound systems in New Zealand.
Runs 7.7 km from the lighthouse in the CBD along the south bank of the river to Whakamahia beach. The full walk takes an hour and a half, and biking takes 30 min.
A 30-min walk along the north bank of the river opposite the CBD, starting from the bridge.
Inland from Wairoa is Te Urewera (formerly a national park) and Lake Waikaremoana. If you like hiking or tramping, this is a stunning walk that can be done in three to four days (or one if you run the whole way). Take all your supplies for the three or four days, including food, fuel, medical kits and toilet paper.
Opened in Dec 2023.
Consistently exceptional. On average it has the best pies (a meat filling packed inside pastry) available anywhere in New Zealand. A must stop. Last count they had about 56 pie awards. Many diverse flavours such as 'Boil up' (reflecting the local culture), 'Ostrich' and 'Cock' (trust them, they are the experts).
Locally owned and run accommodation provider with holiday homes of varying sizes available for short term rent, in the town centre and along the river. Bookings can be made via their website or on Airbnb.
Closed since flood damage in March 2023; call or check website to see if it's open again.
Has on-site licensed restaurant.
As you enter Wairoa there is a sign for it. Bookings generally not necessary.
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Napier · Regional · NPE
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