The Heart of Central Hawke's Bay

Waipukurau is the hub of the Central Hawke’s Bay district and has a population of approximately 4500. The town is settled beside the beautiful, trout-laden Tukituki River; hence, the name Waipukurau - ‘waters of the fungus’. The Pukurau is a net-like fungus which is edible and was considered by Maori to be a great delicacy.

The Central Hawke’s Bay Aero and Gliding Clubs enjoy strong support, with the national aerobatics championships held there each year. The gliding club provides aircraft and instructors for the New Zealand Cadet Force’s Annual Summer Flying Camp at the airfield. The aero club is also the proud owner of a 1936 de Havilland Tiger Moth. People come from around the country and all over the world for a flight in the vintage plane.

Hot air balloons also feature in Waipukurau’s skies and provide a stunning view of the town and surrounding area.

The town also has many historic homesteads dating back to the time of the original settlers. Many of these now offer home stay accommodation and others are available for viewing. The old Railway Station built in the 1860’s, has been transformed into an attractive Visitor Information Centre, but the original character has been preserved.

Waipukurau has good primary schools and a fine secondary school. The town’s biggest employer is Bernard Mathew’s meat processing plant and CHB Print, publisher of the area’s community newspaper, a quarterly farming feature and printer of various books and magazines.

Rural activity provides the basis for most trade in the town, with apple orchards, meat works, dairy farms and sheep farms.

Whatever your reason for visiting, you will find a variety of excellent accommodation available, ranging from home or farm stays, holiday parks, backpackers, motels and hotels. Waipukurau has the enviable Hawke’s Bay climate, picturesque views to the Ruahine Ranges and surrounding hills, a relaxed pace of life and warm, friendly people.