Wairoa

Introducing Wairoa

Poor little Wairoa is trying really hard to shirk its rough-edged reputation. A new Wairoa Township River Walkway takes in sites of interest along the main street, including the old solid kauri Portland Island Lighthouse (1877) which once stood off the Mahia Peninsula and now flashes proudly at the entry to the town centre. In retrospect, perhaps choosing a warning beacon as a landmark wasn’t such a great idea.

Like many small towns, economic depression seems to have spared heritage buildings from the wrecking ball. Film buffs should consider a trip to the wonderfully restored 1931 Gaiety Theatre (06-838 3104; gaiety@xtra.co.nz; 252 Marine Pde; 2-8pm). Wairoa Museum (06-838 3108; wairoamuseum@xtra.co.nz; 142 Marine Pde; admission by donation; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat) has an Italianate façade from its former life as a bank.

Bird fanciers should explore Whakamahi Lagoon, at the river mouth, and Whakaki Lagoon, 10km east of town.

The enthusiastic staff at Wairoa i-SITE (06-838 7440; www.wairoadc.govt.nz; cnr SH2 & Queen St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun; ) have a wealth of information on the wider area along with maps, internet access (per hour $5), ­regional fishing licenses and DOC passes.

Last updated: Sep 22, 2008