Waiwera vacation rentals

Lying 40 minutes north of Auckland on the Hibiscus Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Waiwera is a small town nestled on a peninsula between the rolling farmland of the Auckland region, the Wainui Stream, and the glistening Pacific Ocean. This area is famous for its thermal waters — in fact, its name means “hot water” in Māori — and during a visit, you can refresh at one of Waiwera’s hot springs or go for a swim off the secluded Waiwera Beach.

The town’s quiet streets are mostly lined with vacation homes. If you drive 10 minutes, you’ll come to the bustling town of Ōrewa, packed with restaurants, inviting cafes, and boutiques selling vintage and new clothing. Just outside town is the Ōrewa Estuary, where you can walk or bike the five-mile-long Te Ara Tahuna Walk and Cycleway.

The temperature in the Greater Auckland region of New Zealand remains relatively constant throughout the year, varying slightly from summer to winter. Summer (December through February) is a great time to soak up the sun at Waiwera Beach, while the spring (October-November) and fall (March-May) are perfect for visiting some of the hiking trails at Wenderholm Regional Park. The winter months of June, July, and August grow a little chilly and wet, especially at night, so make sure to bring a few extra layers and an umbrella. However, winter offers the perfect opportunity to explore the North Island’s east coast beaches or to cozy up in one of the pubs in the nearby town of Ōrewa.

Waiwera Beach

Lying at the mouth of the Wainui Stream and the Pacific Ocean, the Waiwera Beach is small compared to other nearby beaches. However, it provides a beautiful and sheltered spot that is great for swimming. If you are lucky, you may even find a hot spring pumping warm, thermal water out onto the beach.

Wenderholm Regional Park

Located between the estuaries of the Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers, this park is surrounded by forested headlands teeming with native flora and fauna, including New Zealand’s famous pohutukawa trees, with their bristly red flowers, and the North Island robin. You can stroll along one of the hiking trails or kayak along the rivers here. The long, sandy beach is perfect for anyone wanting to take a refreshing dip after exploring the park.

Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve

The 24-acre Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve, just south of town, is lush with native greenery including totara, matai, kahikatea trees, and 300-year-old kauri trees. Short gravel and boardwalk trails thread through the reserve, bringing you to a scenic overlook with expansive views of Ōrewa Beach.