Blue skies and sunshine. No wind today so absolutley stunning.
Surf is up today. Children have been seen swimming in the sea without wetsuits, so water is still warm
Following the terrible fire that destroyed three businesses in the Main Street of Waipu, I am happy to report that the Waipu Deli Cafe has reopened in a little bach opposite their original shop, next door to the Gas Petrol station and the Pharmacy has reopened in a relocated bach behind what was the Toy Library and next to Magic Takeaways. Harker's Herbals also has a 'Pop Up' shop in what was the Toy Library and a new ATM has been installed in Wild Tiger, next door to the Logan McLean Cafe. Logan Mclean caters for Vegetarians and Vegans as does Wild Tiger with a range of interesting products. Rebuilding is now well on the way though. There is a new restaurant in Waipu called The Lighthouse which is yet to be tested, but I will report back when I have.
The"Madly Indian" restaurant, cooking tasty Indian dishes from the Punjab area, continues to be a local favourite as well as the famous Pizza Barn which now has it's own brewery on site making award winning beers. There are also new owners for the Waipu pub and hotel. The local Fish 'n' Chip shop - Magic Takeaways is as popular as ever. Food is also available at the local RSA club (opposite the Fire Station) at reasonable cost. Another cafe is Salt 'n' Pepper right next door to Madly Indian. The Waipu Cove Cafe has become very popular and does takeaways too. So lots and lots of food choices available.
The Waipu Museum intends to be the best small museum in the Southern Hemisphere - come and check it out for yourself. To commerate the start of WWI the Waipu Museum has installed story boards around Waipu telling some of the stories of the local brave men and women who lost their lives in the Great War, so that we can always remember them. For more info visit www.waipumuseum.com
Zany's Haven supports and is a subscriber to the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust. Once common, this small shorebird is now in danger of extinction with less than 40 birds left in New Zealand. Within easy walking distance of Zany's Haven is one of the few sites, at the Waipu River Estuary, were they still breed.
The Fairy Terns breeding season was hailed a success again. Lets hope the success continues after disasterous previous years with feral cats attacking nests and birds, to people trampling on chicks two days from being able to fly. The DOC rangers have been working hard to trap the cats and educate the beach goers, but even they can not be there all the time. Please be mindful of the rich wildlife at the Waipu River Estuary Reserve. Other birds can also be seen at the Reserve including rare NZ birds such as the NZ Dotterel, Caspian Tern and Variable Oystercatchers. Please remember dogs are not allowed in the reserve area.
Highland Games every January 1st in The Caledonian Park, Waipu. Book accommodation early as Waipu soon fills up!
Waipu Easter Carnival on Easter Saturday in The Caledonian Park, Waipu.
Waipu Wearable Arts Show and Waipu in Tartan runs in July visit www.waipumuseum.com for more info
Waipu Street Market and Antique Fair are on every long weekend, the anniversary weekend in January. Then for Queens' birthday in early June and Labour weekend in October.
Boutique Sunday Market at the Waipu Coronation Hall on the Second Sunday in every month, check out the website www.waipumarket.co.nz
check out www.breambay.co.nz
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