Winter@waipu 2009 programme

Detailed Programme of Events 2009

For more events in Bream Bay – see the Bream Bay Calendar of Events

For blog posts and photos of Winter@waipu – Click here

Introduction to Winter@waipu Winter@Waipu Previous Years

Winter@Waipu is a community festival
In 2009 Winter@waipu begins with the Long Weekend in June and finishes 1 August

Waipu Winter Wellness - a special programme of events led by Barbara Faust-Heffner including introductory Nordic walking or Pilates, a tramp in the Bryndrwyn Hills, twice weekly fitness class and a pampering evening

GoodGround Children’s Competition Find the sheep dog’s name Hint: try this website The competition runs until 30 June Prize is a meal voucher to the Waipu Pizza Barn Entry forms at GoodGround Office 3 The Centre Waipu Email your contact details adn the dog’s name or post forms to office Kids under 12 years eligible to enter Watch for a July Compeition as well!!	What is my Name?
Saturday 30 May: 9-1pm Waipu Street Market This is great country market in this small Northland village with its unique scottish history – Waipu’s own pipe band will parade at about 11am. If you are interested in having a stall contact Ronnie 09 432 0046	Waipu Street Market
Saturday 30 May: 1-5pm Circool Circus Presents: … Searching for…? Celebrating 2 years community circus in Bream Bay at Waipu Coronation Hall Workshop and Performance Workshops: juggling, Diablo, Rola Bola, Acrobatics, Spinning Plate, Tightrope, Globe and much more Presentation by Circus Kumarani “What is Community Circus?” Stage show by Circool Circus “…Searching for…?” +performers and tutors from Whangarei Community Circus Child $7 Adult $9 Family Pass $25 All are Welcome! More Information 09 4321773 or 02102777294	Circool Circus, Bream Bay
Sunday 31 May 9am – 4pm Waipu Antiques and Collectables Hundreds come to this market from all over Northland , stall holders come from near and far with their treasures Where: Coronation Hall, Waipu More Info: Leigh Butler 09 432 0059
Sunday 31 May 3pm Giving Thanks: A Matariki Celebration at Waipu Cemetery To remember and give thanks for those from our community who are buried in the Waipu Cemetery. We will remember especially those who have died in the past year, as well as honouring others buried there. Bring some flowers/herbs to put on the graves as a symbol of thanks and remembrance: Meet at the Hammon Rd Gate 
When Monday 31 May 3pm More Info: Rosemary Neave 4321234 Peter Dunn 432 0534 This event is part of Matariki Northland Celebrations	Fraser Sim, Piper
Get Creative Winter@Waipu Photo Competition Entries must be printed on photographic paper, and no smaller than 12X15cms. Enter as many photos as you like. Each photo accompanied by an official entry form. Closing date: 8th July and winners announced 18th July at the Deli-Cafe. Photos to be left at Waipu Museum. Judges Decision will be final. Winners will be announced mid August and entries exhibited at Waipu Deli-Café	3 age groups for entry Under 12 years 13-18 Years 18 years and over 3 Categories My Family Water Weather Further information from Sue Welford 09 4321319
5/6 June Mid Winter Festival of Flowers Fantastic flowers and exhibits, spot prizes, all welcome to attend or to enter…. There will be plant, produce and craft stalls, a patchwork quilt display and a refreshment area with real home-baked goodies. “Country Life at its best!” Friday 5 June 1.30-4pm, Saturday 6 June 10-2.30 Where: Ruakaka Hall, State Hwy 1, Ruakaka Price: Gold coin donation Organised by: Marsden Bay Garden Club Contacts: Barbara Turner 09 4330389 Maureen Donaldson 09 4320586 Sat. 6 June 9-1pm Waipu Hall Market In Coronation Hall: A real country market – Fruit and veges, plants, produce, handcrafts – always a great selection. Every first Saturday of the month To book a stall phone Rosemary 09 4318043 9-12pm Arbor day Tree Planting The Bream Bay Coastal Care Group will plant 200 pohutukawa on the ridge to the west of the Ruakaka Village. ALL WELCOME! Meet in Peter Snell Rd. opp. Tamingi St. Ruakaka Bring a spade. Morning tea provided.	Ruakaka Festival of Flowers Waipu Hall Market
Improve your digital photography with Peter Grant 13 and 14 June 9am -1pm $150 Maximum of 5 persons, Ideally, students bring a digital SLR camera and laptop to register pg@pgpix.com or ring (09) 434-4531 Peter Grant has been working internationally as a professional photographer for 19 years. His photography courses are designed to improve the technical skills of the students and broaden their creative horizons. Students will also learn fundamental Photoshop skills and upload their photographs to the students’ pages on Peter Grant´s web site, www.pgpix.com	The course starts with an explanation of the manual camera controls, lens aperture and shutter speed followed by practical exercises, handouts and a review of what has been covered. “Once students understand how to use their cameras manually and why to choose one exposure over another, then the creative work begins,”Peter said. “Firstly they´ll be pushed to approach a subject in a photojournalistic way, shooting the same thing five different ways. Next we’ll watch something going on and work out the best place and/or time to shoot the action and look at how to tell a story with one photograph.” The course will also cover portraits, macro, textural and landscape photography. Finally Peter will reveal some of his wilder creative techniques.
Sat 13 June Mid Winter Dinner Waipu Golf Club Waipu Golf Club SH 1 Waipu (0)9 432 0259 email
Sunday 14 June 10-2pm Waipu Family Market and “Jane’s Caf√©” Genuine local producers and artisans with on site Caf√© serving fine food. This new Waipu market is focused on quality local product - It is a must to explore. The owners are hoping to grow it to a more regular market. Stall holders contact Rosie 09 432 0057 or Jane 09 432 1737 Vegetables & Produce ~ Honey & Olive Oil ~ Plants & Flowers ~ Sour Dough Bread Mexican Food ~ German Sausages~ Indian Spices ~ Boutique Wines Local Arts ~ Face Painting ~ Buskers	Local Growers Bob and Sylvia
Wed 17 June Ruakaka Races Where the Surf meets the Turf Ruakaka racecourse is home to Whangarei Racing Club and boasts expansive ocean views and hosts nine meetings per season. The racing surface has a well-earned reputation as New Zealand’s finest ‘all weather’ track. The reliability of the racing surface makes Ruakaka popular with trainers outside the area who base themselves here during the winter months. Access to the beautiful beach to train on makes the racecourse unique, hence its logo: “Where the turf meets the surf!” 11.40am-4.40 pm approx Information from Karen Houlihan Mobile: 0274 334 498.	Where the Surf meets the Turf
7pm Sat 20 June Ladies Night at Artform – Country Women’s Constitutional Evening Doors open 6.30pm, event starts at 7.30 Tickets available: at Waipu Lotto, Waipu Chemist and The Thistle $15pp (Lucky Door Prizes) Proceeds to the Cancer Society	Wonderfully Hilarious and informative Exploration of women’s health for women of all stages and ages Bookings: Fae Allen 09 432 0710 Email Cath Worthy 09 432 0455 Jenny Aspen 09 432 0710
Indian Cooking Workshop with Sumitra Tues 23 June 11-3pm You have tasted her food at the Waipu markets, now let her teach you how to make it yourself. Waipu Presbyterian Church Hall Cost $45 plus $10 ingredients. To book please ring Sumitra on 021 210 8252	NZ Grown
GoodGround Children’s Competition Find the Dog Competition The goodGround dog, will be visiting a shop in Waipu during July. All children under 12 years can fill out an entry form from goodGround Real Estate telling us where Dubdub is and go in the draw to win a meat pack. The competition closes on 31 July.	Where am I?
A History of Tartan 26 June – 24 July As part of the festivities of Tartan Week in Waipu and Winter@Waipu, the Waipu Museum is hosting an exhibition. Come and visit while you are in town! Sat 27th June 11am Pipe Band Parades in Waipu Sat 27th 1-4pm Genealogy/Family History Afternoon Whangarei Genealogy Group, will be holding a Genealogy/Family History Afternoon to be held in the Waipu Caledonian Society‚Äôs Rooms in the Caledonian Park. If you would like to know more on researching your family history, then come and have a look. WAIPU GAMES HISTORY PROJECT During the genealogy afternoon, there will be an opportunity for you to bring old photos of the Waipu Games and documents or articles that would be ideal for the Waipu Games History Project ‚Äì the telling of the story of the Games. You will not have to worry about those precious photos being away from your possession as we will be able to scan them for you while you wait. If you are not able to be there, but you would like to contribute, please contact Noel Robinson in Auckland, 92781834 or Noel.Robinson@manukau.govt.nz or Wayne Laurence in Whangarei, 4372881 or wayne@bydand.co.nz Your contributions will be much appreciated and will help to tell the story of Waipu and the Games. Sat. 27 June Waipu’s Tribute to Robbie Burns at Waipu RSA Organised by Clan McLean and the Caledonian Society. A Clan event – but all welcome. Waipu RSA, Nova Scotia Drive, Waipu We have decided it would be fitting to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Robbie as all of Scotland and Scots all around the world will be doing the same. We will have a lovely meal catered for and the price is $35 ‚Äì pre book your tickets by contacting Katrine McLean on 0-9-4239145 or kayzee@xtra.co.nz or Delia Walker on 432 1514 or cally65@xtra.co.nz ‚Äì also you will be able to prepay by paying by direct debit – 12-3099-0694105-00 Waipu Caledonian Society ‚Äì ref. dinner. You may post to PO Box 34 Waipu 0545 ‚Äì or give it to Delia when you see her on duty in the Waipu Library. Whichever way ‚Äì we look forward to seeing you for a great evening. 10am Kirkin’ o the Tartan Waipu Presbyterian Church hosts this service where a you are invited to wear the Tartan to Church – a way of celebrating the Scottish spirit that was once surpressed through the banning of wearing tartan. So wear your kilts, tartan skirts, scarves ‚Äì and for the Clans to carry their banners, lead by Pipe Major Fraser Sim into the Church for a festive time. Midday Waipu Highland Dancing Competitions Held in in the Waipu Coronation Hall – come and watch! 11am 28th June Midwinter Swim Get dressed up (or down) and do the wild thing – treats for those who brave the Bream Bay waters…. Marsden Cove Waterline Cafe Mid winter Soup and Swim Marina 8 Rauiri Drive Ruakaka Jump into the Canal outside Waterline Caf√© – free soup for those who do the wild thing and brave the waters. Waipu Cove Midwinter Swim “Whatever You Fancy” Dress Theme (wetsuits allowed!!) Calling all … brave hearted * slightly crazy * thrill-seeking frivolous * partially numb * diehards for a refreshing dip in the ocean at Waipu Cove Registration at Clubrooms from 10.30am Donation of $5 supports your local Waipu Surf Lifesaving Club. Afterwards The Beachhouse Restaurant is offering a special lunch price – mussel & shrimp fritters or local waipu sausages with bubble & squeak $12.50 a free coffee thrown in for swimmers. All are welcome to enjoy the special lunch price! Yummo! 5pm 28th June Midwinter – Choral Evensong at St Peters, Waipu A traditional Anglican Choral Evensong at St Peters church on Sunday June 28th at 5.00.p.m. Lachie MacLean will be playing and conducting A choir rehearsal at 2.30 pm in church that afternoon – all those interested in singing, just come along Wed 1 July International Tartan Day Wear your tartan to town Complimentary sample taste of Haggis for shoppers at the Waipu Butchery Complimentary shortbread for those wearing tartan 6am – 10am Classic Hits Breakfast Show Classic Breakfast will once again be broadcasting from Caf√© 45 in Waipu. Join them for breakfast – no snow this year – but there will be other fun things in store…. Thursday 2 July Wimbledon Day in Waipu Main street Friday 3 July Royal Day in Waipu Main Street 9-1pm Sat. 4 July Waipu Hall Market In Coronation Hall: A real country market – Ffruit and veges, plants, produce, handcrafts – always a great selection. Every first Saturday of the month To book a stall phone Rosemary 09 4318043 Waipu Pipe Band Parades in Main street approx 11am to celebrate Tartan Week Sat 4 July The Clachan A Choin Ball Hosted by Waipu Museum and featuring the Celtic Flyers band who performed at the Celtic Festival. Tickets from the Museum, on sale from 2 June – Organise your table of 10	TARTAN WEEK IN WAIPU Sat. 27 June – Sat. 4 July Wear your tartan – get a bargain in the shops – Complimentary shortbread at many stores for those wearing the tartan. The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed.. Waipu Pharmacy Waipu Highland Band We all celebrate tartan day Classic Hits 96FM 7.30 pm Sat 4 July The Clachan A Choin Ball The Celtic Flyers who were a huge success at the Waipu Celtic Festival. Dancing – A touch of tradition and some Hot Celtic rock ‚Äì you‚Äôll be guaranteed to have a reel ball. ‚Ä¢ Delicious supper ‚Ä¢ Cash Bar ‚Ä¢ Haggis Ceremony ‚Ä¢ Vans (or pumpkins) available for a safe journey home Tickets $35 each on sale from 2 June. Available from Waipu Museum 36 The Centre, Waipu, Phone 09 432 0746 Phone and Internet sales available with credit card Reserved seating available for tables of 10.
Fri 10/Sat 11 July Ruakaka Races Where the Surf meets the Turf Ruakaka racecourse is home to Whangarei Racing Club and boasts expansive ocean views and hosts nine meetings per season. The racing surface has a well-earned reputation as New Zealand’s finest ‘all weather’ track. The reliability of the racing surface makes Ruakaka popular with trainers outside the area who base themselves here during the winter months. Access to the beautiful beach to train on makes the racecourse unique, hence its logo: “Where the turf meets the surf!” 11.40am-4.40 pm approx Information from Karen Houlihan Mobile: 0274 334 498.	Where the Surf meets the Turf
11/12 July Bream Bay Golf Classic Competition Waipu Golf Club SH 1 Waipu (0)9 432 0259 email	Waipu Golf Club
Take a moment to … catch your breath… Sunday 12 July @ 9.30am – 12.00pm An invitation to stop for a morning and remember what it feels like to breathe fully and truly relax. Together we’ll experience correct breathing, learn breathing techniques to change your mind state, practice relaxation methods to release tension in a beautiful environment that will replenish you. More about Trudy Venue: Waipu Cove Surf Lifesaving Clubrooms $30 – book with Trudy Ryan 432 1386	Learn to Breathe…
Indian Cooking Workshop with Sumitra Tues 14 July 11-3pm You have tasted her food at the Waipu markets, now let her teach you how to make it yourself. Waipu Presbyterian Church Hall Cost $45 plus $10 ingredients. To book please ring Sumitra on 021 210 8252	NZ Grown
Plays and Platters with Bogwood Productions 6pm Sat 18 July + 6pm Sun 19 July Three short comedy dramas from one of the UK’s leading dramatists Michael Frayn – probably best known for ‘Noises Off.’ ‘Alarms’, ‘Look Away Now ‘ and ‘The Messenger’s Assistant’ will collectively be performed as ‘Re – Frayns’ and the company, directed by Huw Turner, will consist of Robert Spriggs, Loraine Rowlands, Nick Green, Andy Wallam, Terri Donaldson, Sally Leftley and Alison Turner. At Artform Restaurant in Waipu $50/head for the show and meal Tickets from Waipu Off Licence from 22 June - eftpos or cash (no tickets on the night)	The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed..
Sunday 19 July 10-2pm Waipu Family Market Genuine local producers and artisans with on site Café serving fine food. This new Waipu market is focused on quality local product - It is a must to explore. The owners are hoping to grow it to a more regular market. Stall holders contact Rosie 09 432 0057 or Jane 09 432 1737	Bob and Sylvia - local growers
The Bream Bay News Poetry Competition Its on again we decided this was too good a thing to let die. Email your poems to:breambaynews@xtra.co.nz or post them to The Bream Bay News, RD2, Waipu 0582 before Friday 17 July 2009. The prize winners will be announced at a special poetry night at Café 45 in Waipu starting 7pm on Montana Poetry Day, Friday 24 July.	There will be a $50 book voucher prize for each of three different groups: primary school age children secondary school students adults.
7pm 24 July National Poetry Day in Waipu Announcement of the winners of the Bream Bay News Poetry Competition. Bring your favourite poems to read – fun, serious, thoughtful, naughty… Caf√© 45 by the Four Square in Waipu Cost: $15 pp‚Ä® for coffee and desert Bookings: 09 4320323 put your name down at Caf√© 45, so they have an idea of numbers ‚Ä®Contact: Rosemary Neave 09 4321234	Montana Poetry Day
Winter@Waipu Wine and Cheese 29 July 7pm at Waipu RSA Hosted by: Pernod Ricard & Waipu Four Square (brands include: Montana, Corbans, Duetz, Church Rd, Jacobs Creek plus many more) Basic wine appreciation information. Excellent wine specials for orders placed on the night. Wine and cheese samples included in price. One lucky ticket holder will win a great prize on the night!! This type of course information would normally cost $90 per person Cost: $10 per head Tickets from the RSA or Waipu Four Square, seats are limited!
Fri. 31 July Ruakaka Races Where the Surf meets the Turf Ruakaka racecourse is home to Whangarei Racing Club and boasts expansive ocean views and hosts nine meetings per season. The racing surface has a well-earned reputation as New Zealand’s finest ‘all weather’ track. The reliability of the racing surface makes Ruakaka popular with trainers outside the area who base themselves here during the winter months. Access to the beautiful beach to train on makes the racecourse unique, hence its logo: “Where the turf meets the surf!” 11.40am-4.40 pm approx Information from Karen Houlihan Mobile: 0274 334 498.	Where the Surf meets the Turf
Sat. 1 August 9-1pm Waipu Hall Market In Coronation Hall: A real country market – Ffruit and veges, plants, produce, handcrafts – always a great selection. Every first Saturday of the month To book a stall phone Rosemary 09 4318043 Waipu Barrow and Boot Sale Your chance to spring clean – and raise some cash for yourself, your family or your community group. $5/stall Trash or Treasure ? Spring Cleaning TIME!! Convert some CASH!!! clean out the toy box clean out the garage clean out the wardrobe fill up your barrow or car boot and come to the Village bring your cash to buy treasure Where: Main street of Waipu and Caledonian Park When: 9am-12pm	Bargains to be had
Waipu Winter Wellness Series Walk the Talk ! - Annabelle White does it … you will love it! - A Nordic Walking Taster Every Monday, 4pm, 29th June until 3rd August ($10), Barbara 4320386 Out and about! – Discover the Brynderwyns 3- hour walk from Massey Road to Waipu Cove Sunday, 5th of July, 8am ($ 5) Barbara 4320386 Sunday, 2nd of August, 8am ($5) Barbara 4320386 Fat Attack! – Don’t let the Winter Blues win – Fitness, Fun, Form Every Monday, 1pm-2pm, (from $10) 29 June until 3 August Barbara 4320386 Every Tuesday, 5.30-6.30 pm (from $10) 30 June until 4 August Barbara 4320386 Time out – you deserve it! …. an evening for relaxation and wellbeing Friday, 7th August 6pm – 9pm, ($20) Core Control – Pilates for Beginners Every Monday, 5pm, 29 June until 3 August, (from $10)	Nordic Walking on Uretiti Beach

What next after a prize winning Garden Centre

Story by Hannah Spyksma

After selling Mangawhai’s award winning Naja Garden Centre barely 18 months ago, local business veterans, Natalie and Jac Spyksma have just announced the opening of their latest venture.

The couple have opened a business in Langs Beach, providing two or three day fully catered walking adventures for small groups. Read more

Langs Beach Lodge – walking adventures

Bream Bay has a new tourist accommodation which focuses on walkers …

Langs Beach Lodge has been developed by the former owners of the successful Naja Garden Centre in Mangawhai Natalie and Jac Spyksmas.  They are offering their lovely home as an accommodation base for 2-3 day short break walking adventures. Natalie and Jac are both keen walkers themselves, they appreciate and enjoy the sense of camaraderie and wellbeing that having an adventure like this creates. Over the last 18 months, they have enjoyed walks in Europe, Japan and New Zealand. Read more

A Kiwi Pilgrimage..

Rachel and her husband live in Minneap0lis and “We are moving to New Zealand for a year to become hikers and celebrate the married/no kids years.”

I met them walking along Uretiti Beach near Waipu in Northland,  with packs Рthey are have come from Cape Reinga on Te Ara Roa - The Long Pathway which is a walk the length of  New Zealand.

Kia Kaha, Kia ora – be strong, go well!

Read about their travels here

Nordic Walking

Annabelle White does it …… NORDIC WALKING

Walking with specially designed poles may look peculiar, but give Nordic Walking a try, and you will swear its one of the best activities you have ever done.

Our clients love Nordic Walking, because it:

• Improves coordination and balance
• Has a positive impact on blood pressure, cholesterol and body fat
• Improves aerobic fitness more effectively
• burns more calories than just walking

More on Nordic Walking in Bream Bay and around New Zealand

See the Bream Bay Fitness and Wellness Calendar for dates

 

Fitness and Wellness

This is the introductory page f0r Bream Bay Fitness and Wellness activities.

Below is a timetable and an overview of different classes in Waipu, Ruakaka and One Tree Point.

Classes in: Body Circuit, “Fat Attack”, Massage, Nordic Walking. Pilates, Personal Training, Pump, Strength Training, Yoga, seasonal classes and many more.

We are looking forward to seeing you in one of our training sessions.

Your Bream Bay Wellness and Fitness Team
Barbara 09 4320386  contact@nordicWalkingnz.co.nz
Sharon smart.pt@xtra.co.nz

What to do

Other page links: Art in Bream Bay Where to Eat

Waipu’s Scottish Heritage

Waipu Museum The best small museum in New Zealand – Discover Waipu’s rich heritage and Scottish/Nova Scotian origins.
Waipu Heritage Trail Established in 2002, this trail will take you back to the early Scottish settlement of Waipu, visiting landmarks and buildings marked by distinctive limestone pillars.
Waipu Cemetery - Hamon Rd, off Cove Rd, a beautiful spot to view the river, explore the old graves, or swim.
Waipu Caledonian Society Information about the annual Highland Games held in Waipu over the New Year period. Features the traditions, heritage and culture of the Scottish and Nova Scotian settlers in New Zealand

Outdoors Adventures in Bream Bay

The Beaches: the only decision is which one – a safe deserted stretch, a clothes optional beach, a long beach to walk on, the popular surf beach of Waipu Cove and Ruakaka (surf patrol in the summer), the white sands of Lang’s Cove, the surf at Mangawhai or Te Arai point…..
Waipu Golf Club: Visitors welcome at this course with easy walking, fast and true greens and testing layout. All year round course with magnificent view of Bream Bay.

Waipu Caves Walking Track Length 2 km Time 1 hour each way From Ormiston Road the signposted track climbs a leading ridge through farmland dotted with native trees and offering excellent views. The track then passes through a scenic reserve down to the valley and cave area where there is a good picnic spot.

Explore the Waipu caves: 16 kms nw of Waipu. There are 300m of explored passageways. The main cave is 175m in length an contains one of the longest stalagmites in NZ. There is plenty of headroom, impressive limestone formations and glow-worms inside the cave. But take care as the surface is wet and slippery. You need good footwear and a torch and compass if venturing into the cave.

Kayaking and Bird Watching in Ruakaka Wildlife Reserve
Princes St, Ruakaka you can rent a kayak at high tide to explore the estuary, or at low tide go on a bird watching trip with Simon who will help you to identify the amazing birdlife that frequents the area. Phone Simon 09 432 8668

Waipu Wildlife Reserve: at the end of Johnson Point Rd – explore at low tide

Bream Bay Charters provide personalised tours to fish or dolpins and whalewatch in luxury, comfort and style – for groups of 5-6. Ph 09 432 7484

Nordic Walking NZ - Barbara Faust teaches Nordic Walking. I am a great fan and avid Nordic walker myself – have a one to one lesson when you are staying in Waipu.

Piroa Falls Walkway – 13 kms up the unsealed Waipu Gorge Road South of Waipu. A 10 minute walk from the road takes you to these beautiful falls where you can swim and picnic. This is signposted on SH 1 from the northern foot of the Brynderwyn hills. This beautiful winding mountain road takes you through to Maungaturoto, and is an excellent alternative route to visit the world renowned Kauri Museum at Matakohe.

Pancake Rocks A short track South of Waipu Cove – Cross the stream on the southern end of the beach, follow the path through the gate, and take the upper track. Follow this for about 15-20 mins and you come to an impressive pancake rock structure fringed by ancient Potutukawa trees. This track crosses some private land, so please leave only footprints.

Mangawhai cliffs Walk Length 5 km Time 2-3 hours return This is a beach and clifftop walkway. The beginning is signposted at the Mangawhai Heads surf club. The route heads north along the beach for about 30 minutes before crossing a fence into paddocks. The walkway continues along the clifftops for about an hour offering excellent views to the Hen and Chickens and Little Barrier islands. At low tide you can return along the bottom of the cliffs. Otherwise you must return the way you have come.

The Brynderwyn Walkway This is a well known tramp from the summit of SH1 near the Skyline Tearooms down to Waipu Cove. It takes 7 hours and is only recommended for serious trampers. Massey Rd cuts this walkway about half way, so one option is to walk from the top of Massey Rd to Waipu Cove.

Explore the Marsden Cove Marina development on the doorstep of Whangarei Harbour.

Eating and Drinking in Bream Bay

You can find places to eat and drink in Waipu Cove, Waipu Village, Ruakaka, Marsden Cove, further afield there is Mangawhai and Whangarei.

The Beach House Restaurant One of New Zealand’s best kept dining secrets – The Beach House Restaurant offers you the best of big city cuisine in the natural playground of Northlands east-coast. Minutes from the sand at Waipu Cove.

The Waipu Cove Café - across the road from Waipu Cove Рgreat fish and chips Рhave it there or on the Beach

The Waipu Pizza Barn – always a buzz with energy and great food.

Indoor things to do in Bream Bay

Visit the Oil Refinery Visitors Centre Open 7 days a week 10-5pm, this visitors centre is signposted from the Port Marsden Hwy. The Oil Refining Industry is both fascinating and complex, and the working model at the Centre helps to bring the story alive. “There are many parts to what we do and some surprising aspects along the way, such as the fact that we supply elemental sulphur to the fertiliser industry and carbon dioxide to the carbonated beverages industry.”

Visit the Waipu Museum and explore Waipu’s unique story

Explore Mangawhai

A great day trip: Drive to Langs Beach – Mangawhai Heads – Mangawhai Village – Kaiwaka – Bream Bay, explore the shops and galleries along the way

Whangarei Heads

This fabulous headland Bream Bay looks out on is Whangarei Heads. From Waipu to Ocean Beach is about 1.5 hr drive.  It is one of the most amazing picturesque drives in NZ Рwinding around the Whangarei Harbour and out to the beach.  A great place to explore, and walk the Bream Head tracks, Mt Manaia and Mt Aubrey.  Local Website for more info

Send Rosemary more content to add to this page

Winter@waipu Archives

snow at Artform

2008

3 months of winter events are organised and ready to go for the 4th annual Winter@Waipu Festival. This small Northland community is awash with creativity and well known for its strong celtic spirit. Set near some of the best beaches in Northland, it is a well known summer playground, and the Winter@Waipu festival ensures it remains a great destination for a mid winter break.

Waipu is known as the Celtic Heart of Bream Bay and the town is proud of its Scots/Nova Scotian heritage, something that is clear when you enter the recently redesigned Waipu Museum. It is 150 years since the arrival in NZ of the Breadalbane, one of the ships that brought the Scottish pioneers to Waipu.

The Winter programme kicks off on the June long weekend with the usual popular markets, but this year the descendents of the Breadalbane will also parade down the street behind Waipu’s Pipe Band. On Sunday 3pm the sound of a karanga and the pipes will ring out at the the Waipu Cemetery welcoming people to remember those who have died in the past year, as well as the Breadalbane descendents, as part of the Matariki celebrations in Northland.

To top off the weekend celebrations one of the greatest contemporary Celtic bands – The Battlefield Band will perform once again at Forum North in Whangarei, 2pm on Monday 2 June. They will be in NZ working with the Waipu Museum to write a musical about the great migration that led to the Scottish settlement of Waipu.

There are events every weekend in June – you can join others for a cycle along the beach or a mid winter swim, you can learn scottish Country Dancing. Also on offer is the Mid winter festival of flowers, and a pampering day at Zenford Lodge, along with the chance to enjoyo a hangi at the Waipu Hotel or a mid winter dinner and party at Artform.

2007

Winter@Waipu is once again providing a hotspot of winter activities in Northland. This small community has for the last three years hosted a 3 month long winter festival with events on most weekends – everything from cycling to drama, from Scottish Country Dancing to Line Dancing, from markets to busking.

Waipu was settled over 150 years ago when hundreds left the Scottish Highlands in search of paradise. Their amazing journey took them to Nova Scotia and Australia before landing in Auckland and moving north to Waipu. Led by the Reverend Norman McLeod they were a determined community, overcoming loss, poverty, famine and disease, building their own ships and travelling, unassisted, to the “ends of the earth” in search of a better way of life.

This year Winter@Waipu celebrates some of this story with a number of key events including 8 performances of The Rocking Cave by James McNeish.

However as organiser Rosemary Neave comments, “Waipu is not just about Scots and bagpipes – we have many talented locals who are part of Winter@Waipu festival.” Bogwood Productions will again be producing a series of short plays to be performed around dinner in Waipu’s Artform restaurant by local Bogwood Productions, there will be a poetry competition and performance, writing workshops, a mid winter dinner and an opportunity to celebrate Matariki with a hangi and kapa haka performances at the Waipu Hotel

For those who enjoy a spot of exercise you can bike on the beach with champion cyclist Fiona Southorn, you can have a go at Nordic Walking, Line Dancing or Scottish Country dancing or join the annual 3/6km fun walk around Waipu.

Rosemary feels that Winter at Waipu has helped to create a buzz in the off season in Waipu.

“There is something every week to get involved in for locals as well as those who want a winter break away. And as well as all these activities, there are still our wonderful empty beaches to stroll along – what more could you want?”

More information:

1. The Rocking Cave by well known New Zealand playwright James McNeish is loosely based on the early Scottish migration story, and will be produced for the first time in Waipu There will be 8 performances of the play over two weeks, James McNeish said he regarded the upcoming production of his play as the most significant since it was first produced at the Mercury Theatre in Auckland. He said he felt the story of Norman McLeod had a relevance to New Zealand’s history and should be recognised as not just a local story, but also a national one. For McNeish “It is a story that transcends place. It is bigger than Waipu.”

Alistair Williams, who played Norman McLeod in the Grand Pageant produced by Lachie for Waipu’s 150th anniversary in 2003, will spend a term away from his job as deputy principal of Marlborough Boys High School to live in Waipu and rehearse for the part of the ‘Minister’.

Waulking Songs will be heard again for the first time in over a hundred years – Six local women women will learn some of these old rhythmic songs, which were sung regularly by Waipu’s early Nova Scotian settlers at working bees or frolics as they were called.

2. Tartan Day: Waipu celebrates International Tartan Day 7 July – shops hand out shortbread to those who have worn tartan for the day, there is a market and school children are invited to busk. Waipu’s own Highland Pipe band will parade in the morning and the Museum will have an live day with highland dancing, and a reception for the descendents of The Spray

3. The Spray was the 4th of the 6 ships to bring the Nova Scotians to Waipu, and it arrived 150 years ago in June 2007. The Waipu Museum will be having a special celebration of this on Tartan Day 7 July – there will be a live day a the museum and a special recognition of the descendents of those who came on the Spray.

The Spray sailed from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia captained by John Duncan. She had 89 passengers and among the names on the manifest were Cameron, Campbell, Finlayson, McNabb, McMillan, Munro, Urquhart. Several were large family groups including McKenzie (there were 29 of them), Matheson (11) and Stewart (13). McLennan and McLean, who had missed the sailing of the Gertrude were reunited with their wives and children who had sailed earlier.
Many of these settled in Waipu and Whangarei Heads, but others also went to Mangawhai, Purua, and Kaiwaka areas.

4. The Battlefield Band are said to be the most famous celtic band in the world. They have mixed the old songs with new self-penned material, playing them in a unique fusion of ancient and modern instruments – bagpipe, fiddle, synthesiser, guitar, cittern, flute, badhran and accordian. They will play at Forum North 2pm on Sunday 10 June as part of the Waipu Museum’s aim of promoting Waipu as a Celtic music heartland.

2006 press release 1

The first month of the Winter@Waipu festival is set to kick off on 3 June with Waipu’s well known Street market, and Monthly market in the morning and the local rugby club playing a home game against Hikurangi in the afternoon. The Waipu Highland band will as usual be at both events – giving that Scottish flavour to the day. On Sunday the Waipu Antiques and Collectables Fair is on in the Hall – with lots for aspiring treasure hunters to explore.

If you have always wanted to learn Scottish Country Dancing - now is your chance – there is a beginners day school on 10 June, and a Ceilidh that night to practice your steps and if you want a bit more of an adrenalin rush you can try your hand at Caving on every Sunday morning at Waipu Caves.

Bogwood Production of Lost in Space – a series of three plays will have its first performance at Artform Restaurant on 25 June, and budding writers are challenged with several competitions – children will be working on their stories for the Short Story competition, and the Bream Bay News is running a poetry competition in preparation for National Poetry day in July. On the 17 June Waipu Primary are challenging teams to gather for a Quiz night challenge.

Winter Solstice - the shortest day is 21/22 June this year – Artform Restaurant are hosting a Midwinter Dinner fundraiser for the local hall, and the Waipu surf club is inviting people to brave the waters at the annual midwinter dip on 18 June.

Looking ahead to next month – the 1 July is International Tartan Day, and Waipu is inviting everyone to dust off their kilts, scarves and tartan accessories and join the fun.

2006 press release 2

International Tartan Day to be celebrated in Waipu on 1 July

“The Wearing of All Tartan is Banned!” This might have been the headline in a local paper in 1747 – because that was the year the British made wearing tartan a crime punishable with 7 years transportation. On 1 July 1782 the ban was lifted and that date has often been celebrated as International Tartan Day.

International Tartan Day kicks off the second month of Winter@Waipu festivities, and Waipu is inviting people to dust off their kilts, and scarves and come and celebrate Tartan Day in Waipu – Northland’s foremost scottish village. Tartan wearers will be able to claim a free shortbread in many stores. There will be a market in the Hall, special displays at the Waipu Museum and late morning the Waipu Highland Band will parade down the main street.

All the local shops will be open on Saturday and many will be having Winter specials. There will also be five $50 prizes for people shopping in Waipu over the next few weeks – better odds than Lotto!

‘Waipu Buskers’ will also be about on Saturday morning on the main street – we are inviting any school children who would like to share their talents – dancing, singing, piping, guitars, juggling – to have a go. They can book a space (no charge) by phoning Ronnie on 432 0046

Winter@Waipu festivities will continue through July.

- Those with a literary bent will be interested in the Workshop for those interested in writing for children with published author Sue Welford on 15/16 July, and Montana National Poetry day celebrated on 21 July with an evening at Artform Restaurant – you are invited to read your own poetry, or your favourite author, or just enjoy listening to others. The second performance of Bogwood Productions three plays will be performed at Artform on 30 July at Artform.

- For the Artistic amongst us there is the Waipu on Canvas exhibition at Melody Lodge, and the Paint Ya Jeans competition closes on 28 July and entries will be displayed in Artform after that.

- and for others there is a chance to taste some New Zealand Reds at the Off Licence on 19 July, an open day at Heavenly Heights Gardens on 26 July when the spring bulbs and camelias will be at their best, and a Coffee Ceilidh on 30 July

- You too can Dance like the Stars - On Sunday afternoons from 23 July there is a 10 week course led by professionals Chris and Anne Leitch.

2005 press release

The Waipu Business and Promotions Group plan to develop a series of creative events through the winter period in Waipu around the brand Winter@Waipu, aiming to build up a tradition of winter events to promote Waipu in the off season.

“In the summer people flock to the area, but in the winter, we are not seen as holiday destination.” says organiser Rosemary Neave, “However walks on the beach, horse riding, relaxing with friends around a fire, cruising art galleries and caf√©s are all compelling winter images, and being just one and a half hours north of Auckland, Bream Bay is a perfect place for a short break.”

The Business Association hopes that those who already have events in the winter period will join this joint promotion effort, and they are also hoping that other individuals and groups will see this as an opportunity to organise an event as part of Winter@Waipu.

Ideas in the pipeline include – arts weekends, food and wine events, poetry evenings, Mid Winter swim, Marae visit, Tournaments, jazz evenings, horse trekking, fun run/walk…. If you are a group with an idea for a fundraiser or event in June July or August contact Rosemary Neave on 4321234