Wairoa, town in Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand
Wairoa is a small coastal town in New Zealand surrounded by green hills and farmland. It sits beside the Wairoa River, which flows to the ocean, with simple houses and shops lining the main streets that reflect the town's calm daily rhythm.
Wairoa began as a Māori settlement founded by ancestors who arrived on the canoe Tākitimu. In the 1800s, a trading station was established in 1839, a mission station was built by 1844, and government land sales to European settlers began in 1866.
Wairoa's identity is rooted in Māori heritage, visible in daily life and community gatherings. Throughout the district, 37 marae serve as meeting places where visitors can experience genuine Māori customs and traditions firsthand.
Wairoa is easy to reach, located near airports in Napier and Gisborne. A car is essential for exploring the district, as the area is large and attractions are spread across the region.
The region contains some of the world's best trout rivers, particularly Ruakituri and Hangaroa, drawing anglers from around the globe. The area also hosts Rocket Lab's launch pad on Mahia Peninsula, an unexpected addition that marks the district as a hub for space exploration.
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