Search hotels in Wairoa

Wairoa is totally underrated. I know it's got a reputation for gangs and gang fights over the years but it took me by surprise for the following reasons: 1. The river walk was one of the most serene and best river walks I've had around NZ towns... and I've practically been everywhere in NZ. 2. The Norfolk Pine along the river were some of the most mature and magnificent trees I've seen. They definitely rival the ones along the Napier-Hastings motorway. 3. The road to the beach was literally 5 mins away from our accommodation. You get a fantastic view of the South Pacific Ocean and over the mountain range westward, you can watch some fantastic sunsets. I spent my 2022 New Years here and I saw off 2021 with a fantastic orange/yellow sunset (the kind you see in Bali).

Overnight stay attending a funeral. GPS not working when we arrived and only a dairy open so had a pie out of the warmer for dinner that night - couldn't find takeaways and too tired to drive around. Left town next day. Recommend visit to Lake Waikaremoana.

This is a pretty small town but a much quieter place to stay than Napier or Gisborne if your heading up the East Coast. It's good base for an easy drive to Lake Waikaremoana, and for our last trip there was to drive past the lake all the way through to Rotorua on the 100+ km's of gravel roads.

Its a pretty little town with an amazing playground for children which seems to be well maintained and clean. Far better kept than Auckland playgrounds, The scenery in Wairoa is also quite spectacular. People there are also very nice,

I am biased about Wairoa and its district as my people come from there, I grew up out of Wairoa but was taught at home about it. There is a lot to know and learn about - in this instance the Maori history of this area. Its huge. From the regions mountain (Whakpunake - known as the hook of Maui (a legendary Maori god who it is said fished up the North Island.) Mount Whakapunake is considered to be the place where Mauis hook caught the fish and dragged up the North Island. Tukemokihi sheep station one of New Zealands largest stations, incorporating cattle farms, a natural water dam amongst other things. Tiniroto (meaning many small lakes.). Mahia Peninsular. There is a rich and incredible histoy in this seemingly sleepy looking place.

Osler's is a great place to stop and have a cuppa! On the day, the riverbank looked beautiful and the playground looked really great and I am sure families visiting with young children, would find it ideal and will keep the children occupied for sometime!