Kairakau Beach

Head east from Waipawa along Tamumu Road. This road changes to Pourerere Rd after about 2kms. Turn left onto River Road, then right onto Elthorpe Road. At Elsthorpe village is a fork, the right fork will take you to Kairakau beach, then follow the signs.

Travel time 30 minutes from Waipawa

The grassy beachfront dips down to a short foreshore affording you amazing scenery, including expansive views and several rocky islands just off-shore. Ideal for swimming, fishing and surfing. This also has a popular camping ground. A clearly sign posted area is available at the end of the beach road for overnight stops for fully self contained motorhomes only.

Pourerere Beach

Travel east from Waipawa on Tamumu Road. This road changes to Pourerere Rd after about 2kms. Follow the signs

Travel time 35 minutes from Waipawa

The expansive stretch of golden sand proves to be one of the most popular spots for day-trippers, surfers and sunseekers, as it offers great fishing, diving areas and safe swimming in the Lagoon.  The Lagoon changes and moves with the tides and river flow, so it’s different each Summer, and is ideal for young children to enjoy the beach without the big waves.

Aramoana Beach

Following the same road from Waipawa to Pourerere Beach, take a right turn into Gibraltar Road before you drive into the Pourerere beach settlement and work your way over the gravel road for about 15 minutes. The drive will take under an hour from Waipawa.

Aramoana Beach is steeped in history with the McHardy Homestead standing tall as you drive into the beach settlement, and the farm’s original Woolshed, built in 1906, sits right on the beachfront. The recently renovated woolshed is a heritage listed building.

The beach has great amenities, is a lovely spot for day-trippers as you can park up with easy access to the beach where you can spend the day diving, swimming, and surfing. 

Blackhead beach

Hosts Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve. Travel east from Waipawa on Tamumu Road. About 2kms along this road, the name will change to Pourerere Rd. Follow this until you come to Long Range Road on your right and follow the signs, or head south east from Waipukurau on Tavistock Road, Farm Road, and follow the signs

Travel time 45 minutes.

Ideal for fishing, swimming. There is no ‘freedom camping' at Blackhead and camping is only permitted in the ‘Blackhead Beach Camping Ground

Te paerahi beach porangahau

Is a bare foot wander on golden sands beach where you can surf cast, fly kites, ride blow carts on a windy day or simply soak up some sunshine and it is home to some incredible fishing and diving spots and summer events. Travel time 40 minutes from Waipukurau.

Ideal for fishing & surfing. There is a camping ground as well as freedom camping. These areas are sign posted. While you are in the Porangahau area check out the Longest Place name. Have lunch at The Duke or get a coffee from Orlando’s cart.