Discover Waipū Cove
Waipū Cove is a small beachside village on Northland’s Pacific Coast, about 9km southeast of the town of Waipū and 5 km northwest of Langs Beach along scenic Cove Road. It sits at the southern end of a more than 25 km sweep of white and gold sand that curves from Bream Bay to the entrance of Whangārei Harbour. With a surf-patrolled beach, campground, incredibly popular café and bar, and access to coastal walks, it’s a favourite year-round destination for all.
The long beach is popular with surfers, swimmers, and walkers. From Waipū Cove, you can see the curve of Bream Bay stretching north towards Bream Head, while the southern end consists of rocky headlands. The sand is fine and light, with dunes framing the shore and providing sheltered picnic spots.
Walks and Outdoor Adventures
The Waipū Coastal Walkway begins at the southern end of the cove, winding along clifftops, coves, and rocky shelves to Langs Beach. North of Waipū Cove, the winding Cullen Road climbs high into the Brynderwyn Hills, providing access to Te Araroa on the Langsview Track. From there, you can also connect to the Tanekaha Forest track network, including the Tanekaha Falls Track with its chain of waterfalls and kauri dam remnant.
History and Culture
Waipū and Waipū Cove are part of the rohe of Ngātiwai. The Māori name “Waipū” means “soot or sediment in the water,” thought to refer to river deposits in Bream Bay. The area has a long history of Māori settlement, with archaeological sites including pā and middens along the coast.
European history is tied to the 1850s migration of Scottish Highlanders from Nova Scotia, led by Norman McLeod, who established the township of Waipū. Extensive logging of the kauri forests, coastal shipping and small-scale farming sustained the settlement for much of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The beach became a holiday destination in the mid-1900s.
Getting There
From Auckland, drive north on State Highway 1 to Waipū, then take Cove Road southeast to Waipū Cove. Allow around 2 hours.
Other nearby options include Langs Beach, south on Cove Road, or drive up Cullen Road into the Brynderwyn Hills for access to the Langsview Track / Te Araroa and connections into the Tanekaha Forest. Back in Waipū township, visit the Waipū Scottish Migration Museum to learn about the region’s Scottish heritage.
