Hidden Gems of Wairoa District

Waihua Station Farm Shop

Nestled on the rugged coastline of northern Hawke’s Bay, Waihua Station is first and foremost a working sheep and beef farm. However, on Sundays between 11am and 2pm, it transforms into a gorgeous coffee shop, selling delicious baked goods and incredible produce. The Farm Shop is a true rural, foodie experience with farm produce, seasonal fruit and eggs for sale, and a beautiful country outlook for visitors to enjoy. Rose Haynes, who is the fifth generation of her family to run Waihua Station, wants the Farm Shop to be an experience. “We want to create a relaxing way to fill that Sunday lunchtime slot so people can enjoy our rustic ambience and spectacular scenery over a coffee and a bite to eat.”

Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve

Seven kilometres south of Māhia Beach along Kinikini Road, Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve is one of the last tracks of lowland coastal forest remaining on the East Coast. The total area covers 374 hectares, with the the highest point being the trig station, Te Kapu, which is 397m above sea level. The track is in good condition with steps up hills and trail markers, but it can be slippery when it is wet. Sturdy footwear is required and a moderate level of fitness. The loop track is about 3.5km long and should take about 2.5hr to complete, with anticlockwise considered the easier direction to take.

Hell's Hole

A great spot to cool down on a hot day. Jump into the deep water (Hell’s Hole), swim in the pool where water collects or go exploring along the stream and find swimming holes and fossils in the rock formations. From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38. Turn right just before Frasertown onto Mangapoike Road and follow it for about 17kms. When you get to Hereheretau Road, continue straight on Mangapoike Road. After 300m, park your car on the left-hand side, across from the driveway leading to the house on the hill. Walk through the gate on the left-hand side of the road, where a sign indicates ‘angler’s access’. Follow the little path down to the river.

Mangaone Caves

First-time cavers, including children, can explore Mangaone Caves and enjoy karst-type features, stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite wall coverings. The track to the limestone cave follows a poled route over private farmland. Once past the first steep section, there are magnificent views of the coast – on clear days you can see as far as Māhia. At the caves, steps lead into the main cavern, which is around 40 metres long and nine metres high. Two passages, approximately three metres above the floor of the main cavern, can be accessed by ladders. A torch or headlamp is essential for exploring the caves. A hard hat or cycle helmet are handy to bring, as are proper tramping shoes as the first part of the track is quite steep.

Māhia Rock Pools

A leisurely drive along Māhia East Coast Road will deliver you to a rocky coastline, perfect for exploring and swimming. From small, deep rock pools perfect for swimming, to spectacular rock formations that create the pristine fishing conditions for snapper, kahawai and kingfish, this stretch of the coast is a fantastic playground for water lovers. This is also a fantastic spot for divers.

Mōrere Lodge

A wonderful place to spend time together, relax, explore, adventure, or celebrate an occasion. You will find Mōrere Lodge across the road from the Mōrere Hot Springs, the southern hemisphere's only salt water hot pools. Accommodation options include self-contained cabins, two-bedroom cottage and a five-bedroom historic East Coast farmhouse lodge. Mōrere is also near to beautiful beaches and surrounded by forests, rolling hills and pastures. In the evening, ensure you take a walk to see the glow worms!