Bream Bay Scenic Highlights

Waipu

A quaint township of Waipu (40 kilometres south of Whangarei) has strong Scottish heritage, and features along with a selection of arts and crafts and cafes, the Waipu Heritage Centre. This is in memory of the great migration of Scottish Highlanders who moved from Nova Scotia and settled in Waipu in the 1850’s. Waipu is known internationally for the Highland Games, celebrated annually on Jan 1 st, and the longest running games in the southern hemisphere. The Waipu Heritage Centre, a fascinating museum in the township of Waipu, also serves as an Information Centre.

Waipu Caves

There are approximately 300m of explored passageways in the caves. The main cave is about 175m in length & contains one of the longest stalagmites in New Zealand. Once inside turn off the torch and enjoy the glow worms. The caves can be visited in dry weather but visitors need to take torches and wear good all weather footwear. Located 16km northwest of Waipu township.

Bream Bay and Langs Beach

The islands visible off shore are the Hen and Chicken Islands, so named by Captain Cook in 1769, and now a wildlife sanctuary. Ruakaka boasts an all weather horseracing track uniquely positioned right next to the surf.

Bream Bay beach

Marsden Point

Site of New Zealand’s only crude oil refinery processing oil from the Middle East and Taranaki. In contrast to most such industrial operations it is set in stunning surroundings with the nearby beach being a popular swimming area. The Refinery Visitors Centre is open to the public daily & features a working scale model & spectacular sound and light show. (Admission free)

NZ Refinery