Experiences – Things to Do in Wairoa
Take another look at Wairoa through the experiences that bring the district to life. From outdoor adventures and cultural activities to coastal escapes in Mahia, discover things to do in Wairoa that create lasting memories for visitors and locals alike.
The Wairoa Mountain Bike Park track incorporates 7km of trails, and is loosely based on Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Red Woods Mountain Bike Park. From kid-friendly Grade 2 tracks, through to technical Grade 4s, the park offers professionally-built options for a wide-range of riders.
The Wairoa Community Centre is a modern multi-purpose facility featuring a heated indoor pool, gym, sports stadium and community programmes for all ages. It’s a place where sport, fitness and community activities come together in the heart of the district.
The waters around the Mahia Peninsula are famous for world-class deep sea fishing, with kingfish, snapper and tuna regularly caught in these rich East Coast waters. For anglers, it’s one of the region’s most exciting offshore adventures.
Built in 1925, the Gaiety Theatre has been entertaining Wairoa for generations. Today this beautifully restored historic venue continues to host movies, performances and community events overlooking the Wairoa River.
The Gemmells Building (Ahi Komau-Gemmels on Parade) is a newly redeveloped community and business hub. The site, formerly the home of the Angus Gemmell hardware store, was left as a "burnt-out" shell for over a decade following a major fire in 2012. The redeveloped site combines the building's historical concrete industrial skeleton with a modern, "metro vibe" design featuring an all-weather community courtyard.
Lake Road Lavender Farm bursts into colour each summer with rows of fragrant purple lavender. Visitors can explore the fields, pick their own bunches and discover a range of handmade natural products created right here in Wairoa.
The Riverside Walkway stretches 7.7km from the Wairoa Lighthouse to Whakamahia Beach, following the river through landscapes rich in local history and coastal beauty. Walk it in around 90 minutes or cycle it in about half an hour and discover one of the district’s most relaxing outdoor experiences.
Located on the Mahia Peninsula, Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 is the world’s first private orbital launch site. Since 2017 dozens of Electron rocket launches have taken place here, putting New Zealand firmly on the global space map.
The Wairoa Museum is centrally located on Marine Parade, Wairoa. In late 2016 the Museum launched a major re-development - Kakapa (the Pulse). This included refurbishment of all galleries and installation of new exhibitions, increasing overall exhibition space and displayable collection space. Interactive discovery space was developed and the repatriation of a New Zealand Māori war flag from a museum in Scotland was completed.
The Wairoa A&P Society was formed in 1899 and the first show was known as a County Ram Fair and Show, held next door to the Frasertown Domain. In 1920 the present site was purchased. The Wairoa Agricultural & Pastoral Society is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RAS). RAS promotes the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, stock raising and forestry resources in New Zealand.
Black’s Beach near Māhia is known for its powerful reef break and long hollow waves. For experienced surfers it’s one of the most consistent and respected surf spots on New Zealand’s East Coast.