RICH IN SCOTTISH HERITAGE
25 JULY 2022
One of millions of shells at Shelly Beach
Waipu Cove Beach
Home to the annual Highland Games which started back in 1871, Waipu has a rich Scottish history. The area was founded by Scottish settlers from Nova Scotia waaaaayyy back in the mid 19th century.
When you drive through Waipu (pronounced 'why poo' haha) , you'll notice the rich history and see just how beautiful this area is and how much there is to in this magical place - which is no wonder, as Waipu shares the same coastline as Ruakaka and Uretiti (pronounced 'you're a titty' aaaah stop it).
We had heard really great things about Waipu Cove Beach and I remember as a kid driving past this beautiful spot but we didn't stop in, so we were really looking forward to visiting.
The Waipu Cove Beach carpark has plenty of parks and a huge public toilet block area with a very pretty mural painted right across it.
When you drive through Waipu (pronounced 'why poo' haha) , you'll notice the rich history and see just how beautiful this area is and how much there is to in this magical place - which is no wonder, as Waipu shares the same coastline as Ruakaka and Uretiti (pronounced 'you're a titty' aaaah stop it).
We had heard really great things about Waipu Cove Beach and I remember as a kid driving past this beautiful spot but we didn't stop in, so we were really looking forward to visiting.
The Waipu Cove Beach carpark has plenty of parks and a huge public toilet block area with a very pretty mural painted right across it.
Incredible mural on the toilet block located at the Waipu Cove Beach carpark
Fancy A Pancake (Rock) For Breakfast?
We had seen pictures of the pancake rocks before and really wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Before stepping down on to the beach you'll see the entrance to do the pancakes rock walk to the right-hand side of the beach (if you were standing at the beach looking out to the ocean).
To access the start of the walking track, you'll need to cross a small stream. Someone had kindly placed some large rocks down to walk across, although it all tidal so that will depend on how the water is at the time. So be prepared to get your feet wet, or just go barefoot if you want. We risked it and tried jumping across and or course our feet got wet!
Once you are across its just a couple of meters up some rocks and you'll see the pancake rock walk sign.
To access the start of the walking track, you'll need to cross a small stream. Someone had kindly placed some large rocks down to walk across, although it all tidal so that will depend on how the water is at the time. So be prepared to get your feet wet, or just go barefoot if you want. We risked it and tried jumping across and or course our feet got wet!
Once you are across its just a couple of meters up some rocks and you'll see the pancake rock walk sign.
Just before crossing the tidal stream
We made it across the steam, we're almost at the start of the track
The start of the walk to pancake rocks
Shelly Beach
We got to the top of the track which gives a fantastic view of Shelly Beach below and is the start of the Waipu Coastal Track. The intent of our visit was really to do the pancake rocks, but as we started on the track we reached a point very early on where the track was closed due dangerous conditions. When it is opens it offers a wonderful walk along the Waipu Cove Coastal track overlooking the beautiful water below and it takes you all the way around to Langs Beach. It's not far to get to the pancakes from Waipu Cove - Not the ones you like kids!
We we're a little disappointed that we couldn't do the walk that day, however we did find a stunning little spot called Shelly Beach that was separate to the main Waipu beach and really private. We just couldn't turn our noses down at the perfect opportunity to explore.
Covered in white sand and millions of amazing shells (our kids love shells and collect A LOT of them) we felt like we were in our own little paradise. The dogs had an absolute blast running up and down the beach playing fetch with many of the sticks we were able to find along the way as well as doing their own exploring around the rocks.
We we're a little disappointed that we couldn't do the walk that day, however we did find a stunning little spot called Shelly Beach that was separate to the main Waipu beach and really private. We just couldn't turn our noses down at the perfect opportunity to explore.
Covered in white sand and millions of amazing shells (our kids love shells and collect A LOT of them) we felt like we were in our own little paradise. The dogs had an absolute blast running up and down the beach playing fetch with many of the sticks we were able to find along the way as well as doing their own exploring around the rocks.
A peek down to Shelly Beach
You can find really cool shells here
Exploring the awesome rock pools with crabs
Crystal Clear Rock Pools
You know that feeling when you are having such a great time and then that great time gets taken to a whole new level? Sort of like the icing on the cake? Well, the rock pools we found were exactly that for us.
The water was crystal clear and just so inviting. It parts some of the rock pools were that deep that it was like a little swimming pool for the girls. Even the adults could sit in there and enjoy - it seems like the perfect spot to chill in summer (just make sure you're not smothered in sunscreen as it's not good for the rock pools!). There were so many to explore and we were spent hours seeing what we could find. We didn't see loads of things scuttling around - they were more calm than other rock pools we have seen (like at Maunganui Bluff).
Juno, the little black and white dog we were looking after while house sitting, wasn't too keen to jump in and splash around, but Jaxx is completely the opposite and loves every opportunity to get soaked and have fun.
At first glance, there doesn't look like a lot of activity in the bay, until one person showed up with a wetsuit on and a bucket. He was heading out to collect kina and any crayfish he could find. Hanging close to the rocks, we sat and watched him. Although it was hard to see him at times, every few minutes we'd here a "Wohooooo" He must have been hitting the jackpot out there (who knows!).
When climbing around the rock pools, we'd recommend really solid footwear to protect your feet. Some of those rock edges can be sharp and slippery.
The water was crystal clear and just so inviting. It parts some of the rock pools were that deep that it was like a little swimming pool for the girls. Even the adults could sit in there and enjoy - it seems like the perfect spot to chill in summer (just make sure you're not smothered in sunscreen as it's not good for the rock pools!). There were so many to explore and we were spent hours seeing what we could find. We didn't see loads of things scuttling around - they were more calm than other rock pools we have seen (like at Maunganui Bluff).
Juno, the little black and white dog we were looking after while house sitting, wasn't too keen to jump in and splash around, but Jaxx is completely the opposite and loves every opportunity to get soaked and have fun.
At first glance, there doesn't look like a lot of activity in the bay, until one person showed up with a wetsuit on and a bucket. He was heading out to collect kina and any crayfish he could find. Hanging close to the rocks, we sat and watched him. Although it was hard to see him at times, every few minutes we'd here a "Wohooooo" He must have been hitting the jackpot out there (who knows!).
When climbing around the rock pools, we'd recommend really solid footwear to protect your feet. Some of those rock edges can be sharp and slippery.
Juno seriously contemplating a swim...... yeah nah.
Water so clear you just want to hop straight in
Waiting and watching to see if we can see anything moving
The Forbidden Pasta
So many shells, so many pretty colours, so many different shapes, I guess that might be why this place is called Shelly Beach? This one shell we found looked like a piece of pasta! We had a giggle about that - mmm, teeth-breaking pasta.
As we climbed over a few rocks and started to head further south around from where the rock pools where, we came across this awesome little spot that was absolutely littered with shells. JACKPOT! Kids were so excited. We picked up so many shells to look at them and we spent a good 30 minutes here just exploring. Usually when you see shells, they are embedded in sand, but this one spot had no sand at all, it was all just chunks of shells.
As we climbed over a few rocks and started to head further south around from where the rock pools where, we came across this awesome little spot that was absolutely littered with shells. JACKPOT! Kids were so excited. We picked up so many shells to look at them and we spent a good 30 minutes here just exploring. Usually when you see shells, they are embedded in sand, but this one spot had no sand at all, it was all just chunks of shells.
Pasta for dinner?
So many amazing shapes
We stumbled across this awesome little spot between the rocks that was littered with shells
The rocks
At the southern end of the bay is more rocks you can climb up on to and explore. It was here was found more rock pools and also alongside a nice shallow area of water where we thought this would be perfect for the kids to learn to snorkel in! it was nice and shallow, super clear and had lots of rocks to explore around. We need to get our snorkel gear sorted so we can come back here and do that with the girls.
There were so many mussel beds as well, just little wee baby ones (unlike the big ones we picked at Maunganui Bluff) so not ripe for the picking, but beautiful just to see them growing in abundance. It reminds us of how abundant this area truly is - nature is amazing!
There were so many mussel beds as well, just little wee baby ones (unlike the big ones we picked at Maunganui Bluff) so not ripe for the picking, but beautiful just to see them growing in abundance. It reminds us of how abundant this area truly is - nature is amazing!
So much to explore !
Nice little shallow area where we will take the girls snorkeling one day
Mum off exploring in one area and dad off exploring in another
No Crappy Views Here
There's always that one photo that your parents keep so they can embarrass you at your 21st birthday - well Jaxx, we caught you mid-poo, enjoying the view!
Our focus was actually on the amazing ocean view at the time and it just so happened that Jaxx decided to jump in the frame and lay down the law. Jaxx is always showing who's boss. It actually made us all laugh so hard as it reminded us of Ruakaka Beach just a few short weeks before this walk where Jaxx did a similar thing as we were filming on the beach!
From the southern end of Waipu beach, there is a beautiful hill that separates the main beach and Shelly Beach. This spot offers up uninterrupted views stretching all the way up Waipu Cove Beach, out to the Hen and Chicken Islands and you can even spot Mt Manaia, in the Whangarei Heads, that we hiked up and had the most amazing views! We even got a look across to the pancake rocks, so that made us feel a little better about not being able to do the walk (even though we could really only see them properly with the long lense on our camera).
This is a great spot to set up for lunch, relax, grab some sun, enjoy the view and just chill together.
Our focus was actually on the amazing ocean view at the time and it just so happened that Jaxx decided to jump in the frame and lay down the law. Jaxx is always showing who's boss. It actually made us all laugh so hard as it reminded us of Ruakaka Beach just a few short weeks before this walk where Jaxx did a similar thing as we were filming on the beach!
From the southern end of Waipu beach, there is a beautiful hill that separates the main beach and Shelly Beach. This spot offers up uninterrupted views stretching all the way up Waipu Cove Beach, out to the Hen and Chicken Islands and you can even spot Mt Manaia, in the Whangarei Heads, that we hiked up and had the most amazing views! We even got a look across to the pancake rocks, so that made us feel a little better about not being able to do the walk (even though we could really only see them properly with the long lense on our camera).
This is a great spot to set up for lunch, relax, grab some sun, enjoy the view and just chill together.
Poopies for all to see
View from the southern end of Waipu Cove Beach
Beautiful zoomed in view of the pancake rocks
Having lunch and had to take a photo of the amazing view from the cliff top
Nature In Action
During our walk we spotted lots of wildlife. From oyster catches, to crabs, to more crabs (there were crabs everywhere) but unfortunately a lot of the ones we had found had already died (poor wee things). Some of them were quite big as well and the girls were really excited to discover them and also to study them without the fear of getting nipped. If you really explore the rock pools, you'll see all sorts of life floating around in there.
It was great to see that Waipu has a wildlife refuge just a few short minutes from the beach.
It was great to see that Waipu has a wildlife refuge just a few short minutes from the beach.
Look at those beady little eyes!
Hello big fella!
It's a tiny little world of thriving sea life
Waipu Cove Beach
We must of been exploring for a least two hours around Shelly Beach before we even touched the main beach! Once we got down there, we found a nice little spot to setup and the girls had a good play in the sand (just kids being kids really). Bella dug this HUGE hole that was over half her height! It was pretty impressive as she had no spade and just a few sticks to help her.
Bella and Sienna enjoyed making sandcastles and we just chilled and enjoyed the sun. It was the perfect end to a really cool day.
The great thing about our trip today is none of it costed a cent, it's all free and it's creating amazing memories for us and our kids which we can look back on in the future and enjoy.
Bella and Sienna enjoyed making sandcastles and we just chilled and enjoyed the sun. It was the perfect end to a really cool day.
The great thing about our trip today is none of it costed a cent, it's all free and it's creating amazing memories for us and our kids which we can look back on in the future and enjoy.
Waipu Cove Beach
Bella and Sienna doing what they do best
Great Coffee, Great Donuts, Exceptional Service
Just when we thought our day couldn't get any better, we stopped in at the Waipu Golf Club Cafe (which is just 13 minutes south of Waipu Cove Beach) some coffee and a bite to eat.
Well, well, well, what do we have here? If the picture below doesn't get your mouth watering, then... you must be super healthy and not into donuts!
We found the service, the food, the coffee and the view to be 10/10 here at the Waipu Golf Club Cafe. Even the people in the cafe just having a coffee themselves were so friendly and chatted with us.
There were so many flavours of donuts that they simply couldn't display them all. The lovely lady had to bring a huge plastic bin full of them out for us to look at. I'm getting hungry just typing this right now! If you are into sweet treats and you're planning a trip here. Be sure to swing by and try one of these beautiful donuts at the cafe.
There is plenty of seating inside and out and you get the most incredible views across the Waipu Golf Course, Uretiti Beach and views of the Hen and Chicken Islands and Whangarei Heads.
Alternatively, there is a cafe directly across the road from Waipu Cove Beach that we have heard is really nice.
Well, well, well, what do we have here? If the picture below doesn't get your mouth watering, then... you must be super healthy and not into donuts!
We found the service, the food, the coffee and the view to be 10/10 here at the Waipu Golf Club Cafe. Even the people in the cafe just having a coffee themselves were so friendly and chatted with us.
There were so many flavours of donuts that they simply couldn't display them all. The lovely lady had to bring a huge plastic bin full of them out for us to look at. I'm getting hungry just typing this right now! If you are into sweet treats and you're planning a trip here. Be sure to swing by and try one of these beautiful donuts at the cafe.
There is plenty of seating inside and out and you get the most incredible views across the Waipu Golf Course, Uretiti Beach and views of the Hen and Chicken Islands and Whangarei Heads.
Alternatively, there is a cafe directly across the road from Waipu Cove Beach that we have heard is really nice.
Mouthwatering, fresh donuts at Waipu Golf Club Cafe
More yummy food at the Waipu Golf Club Cafe
The incredible view from the Waipu Golf Club Cafe
Know Before You Go
- Bring sturdy footwear if you're planning on exploring the rock pools at Shelly Beach
- There is plenty of parking at Waipu Cove Beach
- Bring a bag if you plan to collect shells from the beach
- The stream to get across to Shelly Bay and Pancake Rocks is tidal, so be prepared to get your toes wet
- There is a cafe across the road from the beach if you want to grab a snack or drink before you explore
- The best time to explore on Shelly Beach is at low tide
- There is a dairy about a few hundred meters before you reach the beach and is well stocked (they do rolled ice creams and fish and chips too!)
- There are toilets at the Waipu Cove Beach carpark
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
If you are heading to Waipu from Auckland, its approximately 1 hr and 50 mins from Auckland CBD
If you are heading down from Whangarei its about 40 minutes from Whangarei CBD.
If you are heading down from Whangarei its about 40 minutes from Whangarei CBD.
Conclusion
Even though our plan was to walk to the pancake rocks, we are so glad we stayed and enjoyed what we found at Shelly Beach. It was the perfect day, perfect weather, just amazing. The crystal clear water was a real treat and we are planning to bring the girls back here again soon so they can snorkel around Shelly Beach rocks in the shallow and start seeing what the underwater world is all about.
Gallery of Waipu Cove
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in Northland
SMUGGLERS BAY LOOP TRACK
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MT MANAIA TRACK
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