Takapau: Homestead History and Golf

Takapau brings together a distinctive chapter of Victorian homestead history and other places that tell the story of the town. There is also a golf course with a range of playing formats and a community park with a playground. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing local interests from regional excursions—particularly when choosing a holiday rental as your base.

Oruawharo: Homestead, Estate and History

Oruawharo Homestead in Takapau is a fine, intact example of a Victorian homestead. Built in 1879 from native timber, it includes a garden, stables and a coach house. The estate represents significant historical, architectural and social values. The combination of the residence and its associated buildings gives the estate its distinctive character: this is not just about the architecture of a house, but also the history of the estate as a whole.

St Vincent’s Church is part of the historic Oruawharo estate. At selected events, the owners introduce visitors to the history of their home. Visitors can also tour the grounds during selected events. If you would like to plan a visit, check the dates of the relevant events.

Local History at Several Stops

There are other ways to connect with Takapau’s history beyond Oruawharo. St Mark’s Church has been part of Takapau’s spiritual and social history for more than 130 years. Takapau Cemetery is a heritage-listed reserve with a memorial wall. The installation Ngā Ara Tīpuna is located in Takapau Railway Reserve. Together, these places show different facets of local heritage: a long-standing church role, a place of remembrance and a named installation in the reserve.

Golf and Another Place to Take a Break

Takapau Golf Course is a 25.7-hectare sports and recreation park on Charlotte Street and Oruawharo Road. Takapau Golf Club has a 12-hole course with two 18-hole layouts, a 9-hole option and a short Red Course for young and casual golfers. The different formats offer specific options for a round; the Red Course is expressly intended for young and casual golfers. Check opening and booking conditions before your round.

Takapau Playground is a community park with a playground. Takapau therefore offers a range of interests side by side: homestead history, golf and a place to play. Lease arrangements and facilities at the Golf Course may change; the playground’s equipment may also change. Check current conditions before your visit if needed.

Distinguishing Takapau from Regional Routes

Takapau is not far from the main road, on the Highway 2 route. The Highway 2 Trail is a separate route. In the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination, the trail closely follows early footpaths and leads to significant Māori and European heritage sites. Waipawa and Waipukurau are on the route; the smaller townships of Ōtāne and Takapau are off it. This distinction helps you consider Takapau as a destination in its own right, rather than equating the trail’s route with the town’s location.

Another regional option is the Ngā Ara Tipuna Driving Tour. It visits seven other sites of cultural and natural significance around Waipukurau and Takapau. While Oruawharo, St Mark’s Church and Takapau’s reserves provide local points of interest, the tour offers a broader view of culture and nature in the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination.

Choosing the Right Search Location for Your Holiday Rental

If Oruawharo and Takapau’s historic sites are the focus of your trip, you can make Takapau the centre of your search for a holiday rental. If you are particularly interested in the Highway 2 Trail, bear in mind when choosing a location that Takapau is off its route. For travellers with different interests, your preferred focus for the day may also guide your choice: selected events at Oruawharo, a round of golf or time at the playground.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Elsthorpe, Porangahau, Raukawa, Waipukurau, Urewera National Park, Haumoana, Puketapu, Havelock North.

For the wider travel overview: Hawkes Bay.