6 hours drive from Hamilton on the West Coast to the East Coast, is a little hidden piece of 'Paradise'. This little town is surrounded by lush green mountains and forestry. Sometimes from their own farms, locals offer fresh produce at cheap prices. The East Cape is a remote and largely unpopulated area, with beautiful coastal scenery, rocky foreshores, driftwood strewn beaches as well as safe sandy swimming beaches. Maori settlements in the area still follow the traditional ways and the marae is still the centre of community life. It is also the place where the first Maori landed, when arriving in New Zealand.

Waihau Bay is a small coastal bay, with all the required amenities immediate to hand, while still isolated enough to be removed from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Petrol is available, a country store, and hotel bar are situated in the small village. With the utilities for campers, visitors and fishing-persons. There are many camping sites within 10kms, including Beachfront Accommodation within walking distance of the town centre itself.

My Tip: Waihau Bay Lodge operates the self-contained rooms. There are 5 average-sized rooms, each sleeps up to 5 people. There is also a private room that sleeps up to 4 people, an alarm clock, bar fridge and television with Sky Channels. Prices start from $30NZ per room, all rooms have full access to the kitchen, shower and toilet amenities 24/7. Meals can be purchased from the lodge at certain times of the day and week, or you can store and cook your own food in the shared kitchen. The staff often cleans & supplies all bed linen, laundry, shower, toilets and rooms.

Raised in Waihau Bay, Director Taika Waititi began the filming of the movie 'Boy', which was filmed entirely in Waihau Bay due to the town being a popular fishing and holiday destination.

Uploaded Photos were taken during My Holiday (April 2011), they are of some of the popular areas/locations from the movie 'Boy' and are also of the main street of Waihau Bay itself.

The General Store




Waihau Bay Lodge




The Jetty/Wharf (across from the General Store)




Map/Location: Waihau Bay