Wairoa Travel Guide

Wairoa is never short of things to see and do. Whether you are a local resident or an international visitor, Wairoa has something for everyone. Following is just a small selection of activities and attractions within the region.

Places to Visit:

Visitor Information Centre i-SITE, Cnr State Highway 2 and Queen Street, Phone 838 7440. www.wairoanz.com for all your current information.

Portland Lighthouse, Marine Parade, was built of solid kauri on Portland Island and was in use from 1878 to 1958. It was the last lighthouse to use kerosene lamps and clockwork mechanisms. The lighthouse was moved to its present position in 1961. In the vicinity of the lighthouse can be seen an old letter box, a whaling try-pot as well as seats commemorating those who served in the wars.

Kopu Pitiera Memorial Stone, Marine Parade, is situated opposite the library on the riverbank. It serves as a memorial to a turbulent period in Wairoa’s history during the 1860s. Kopu was a major figure in the conflicts of the time.

Marine Parade is the start of the Heritage Trails Walk and is a lovely spot to have a picnic lunch on the seats provided.

Library Ph: 06838-3450 Museum Ph: 06-838-3108

River Wharf, Marine Parade, this is the most substantial remaining wharf of the many wharves and jetties on both sides of the river. It serves as a reminder of the time when Wairoa was a river port. Wool, flax, fibre, meat and dairy products were the main exports of the area and each company had its own wharf or jetty.

Coronation Square, Queen Street, is the site of well-kept rose gardens, a wonderful sight when in bloom.

Historic Churches: St. Andrew’s Church, Queen Street, has a prominent gothic-like spire with detailed lattice work. St. Peter’s Church, Queen Street, is a well kept kauri church with a tastefully refurbished interior. St Paul’s Church, Lucknow Street, is a concrete structure of a more modern style. St. Theresa’s, Ruataniwha has recently being renovated as is a Maori Catholic Church, next to Tawhiti-a-Maru Marae.

Old Wairoa County Council Building, Queen Street. This building, well worth a visit, was saved from demolition and was moved to its present site and tastefully restored.

Pilots Hill, the aptly named promontory at the river mouth, affords an extensive view of Hawke’s Bay from Portland Island to Cape Kidnappers. This hill is being planted in native shrubs and trees. Also to be seen in this area are small concrete pillboxes, relics of WW2.

Wairoa Cemetery at the hill end of Clyde Road contains many memorials to early pioneers of the district.

Wairoa River: The sheltered, broad Wairoa River is the focus of a number of watersports.

Alexandra Park, Marine Parade West, contains a swimming complex and community centre catering for all ages. It is also the site of the Wairoa Arts Council Gallery. Regularly open for exhibitions.

Memorial Park Riverside Walkway, on North Clyde side of the river, leads to the cabbage tree birth site of Sir James Carroll, New Zealand’s first Maori Acting Prime Minister. He was knighted in 1911. Along the walkway can be seen the remnants of the freezing works wharf and the flax mill wharf.

Takitimu Marae, Waihirere Road, North Clyde was built, under the initiative of Sir Apirana Ngata, who oversaw the tukutuku panels as a memorial to Sir James Carroll in 1938. Phone 06 838 8223.

Taihoa Marae, Mahia Avenue, is worthy of note and has links with Sir James Carroll. For permission to visit phone 06 838 3830.

Things to Do:

River water sports are well catered for in Wairoa - water skiing, rowing, yachting, power boating. Launching ramps are available. Canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting on outlying rivers and lakes.

Trout fishing on world famous rivers, deep sea fishing, surfcasting, underwater fishing are all available. Kahawai fishing and white bait in season. The waters off Mahia Peninsula are recognised as an excellent game fishing area.

Hunting, horse trekking and tramping. Maori culture tours.

Swimming - Centennial Pool, Marine Parade. Ph 06 838 6300, pool complex for all ages. Morere Hot Springs, SH2, Morere, Ph 06 837 8856, various hot mineral pools, BBQ. Safe swimming at Mahia beaches - Opoutama, Mahanga and Taylors Bay.

Surfing at Mahia - Black’s Beach, Mahanga Beach, Opoutama.

Walks - There are a number of different and interesting walking opportunities within easy driving distance from Wairoa township.