Waipawa: Heritage, local walks and the Tukituki Trail

Waipawa is one of New Zealand’s oldest inland towns, and its history is best explored through its buildings and walking routes. A museum in a former bank building, historic houses and an hour-long walk provide tangible points of connection to the town’s past. The Tukituki Trail also connects Waipawa with Waipukurau. When choosing holiday accommodation, it helps to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for: should your stay focus mainly on heritage and a walk around town, or would you also like to hike or cycle the trail?

Buildings with a history

The former Bank of New Zealand building at 23 Main Street is a Category 2 Historic Place and now houses a museum. In central Waipawa stands the CHB Municipal Theatre, a historic building that has been extensively restored. For many years, it has been used for community events, celebrations, performing arts and educational activities. Waipawa therefore brings together different forms of built heritage: a listed building used as a museum, and an event venue whose role includes supporting community life.

The building at 51–55 Ruataniwha Street is considered Waipawa’s oldest commercial building and dates from around 1870. “The Pines” at 2 Rose Street is Waipawa’s oldest house. St Peter’s Church (Anglican), designated as private, is at 52 Kenilworth Street and is a Category 2 Historic Place. The town’s history is therefore reflected not in just one building, but in different types of buildings and their various designations.

A walk or a route between two towns

The Waipawa Pavement Walk is an easy, one-hour walk to historic sites such as the old town centre, churches, the railway and former shops. It starts at the heritage trail board in the car park beside the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum. Its stated duration makes the walk a manageable way to explore Waipawa’s history on foot.

The Tukituki Trail offers a different experience. It runs between Waipukurau and Waipawa along mostly flat limestone paths beside the Tukituki River and is suitable for walking and cycling. A limestone section connects via the road to Waipawa township. The distinction is useful when planning your day: the Pavement Walk takes you to historic sites in town and has a stated duration; the Tukituki Trail provides a connection between the two towns for walking and cycling trips.

Festival traditions and golf

The Waipawa Spring Festival, also known as “Duck Day,” is a Central Hawke’s Bay tradition dating back to 1995. Duck Day 2026 at Nelly Jull Park in Waipawa featured market stalls, food trucks, live music and entertainment for all ages. This describes the 2026 event; if you’re planning to attend a festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition.

The Waipawa Golf Club is a traditional 12-hole course near the Waipawa River. As the course configuration may change, it’s a good idea to confirm it before planning a game.

Nature highlights in the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination

The wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination offers other landscape highlights. A’Deanes Bush Scenic Reserve is a 38.5-hectare remnant of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains, characterised by mataī and kahikatea trees. On the coast, Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects 446 hectares between Aramoana and Blackhead; it was established in 1997. At the extensive tidal platform, visitors can explore rock pools and may see octopuses, crayfish, anemones and migratory wading birds.

When choosing where to stay, it helps to distinguish between these interests: Waipawa’s named buildings and town walk focus on history, while the forest and coastal highlights mentioned here are part of the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination. This can help you choose holiday accommodation to suit the kind of trip you have in mind.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Haumoana, Patoka, Eskdale, Bridge Pa, Takapau, Waipukurau, Elsthorpe, Wallingford.

For the wider travel overview: Hawkes Bay.