Takapau: Homestead History, Churches and Golf

Oruawharo Homestead gives Takapau a distinctive historical landmark. Churches and golf add to the character of the town; the wider travel area offers landscapes and routes with their own distinct themes.

Homestead history and cultural places

Oruawharo Homestead, with its garden, stables and coach house, is a representative, intact example of a Victorian homestead built from native timbers in 1879. Oruawharo is a special place with significant historical, architectural and social values. Its year of construction and materials provide a concrete historical context for homestead architecture.

At selected events, the owners introduce visitors to the history of their home. Visitors can also explore the grounds of Oruawharo at selected events. St Vincent’s Church is part of the historic estate. St Mark’s Church tells a distinct story of the town’s history: it has been part of Takapau’s spiritual and social history for more than 130 years. Takapau Cemetery is a heritage-listed reserve with a memorial wall.

Golf and parks in Takapau

Takapau Golf Club has a 12-hole course with two 18-hole layouts, a 9-hole option and a short Red Course for young and casual golfers. The different formats give golfers specific options to compare; the Red Course is expressly described as being for young and casual golfers. Check the current playing and booking conditions before your round.

Takapau Playground is a community park with a playground. As facilities can change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

In the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District

Takapau is on the Highway 2 route, not far from the main highway. The Highway 2 Trail is a separate route: it runs through the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District, closely follows early walking tracks and leads to significant Māori and European heritage sites. Waipawa and Waipukurau are on the route; the smaller townships of Ōtāne and Takapau are off the trail.

Another regional network of trails is the Tukituki Trail in the Central Hawke’s Bay District. It is for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. Its sections include limestone paths on river stopbanks and road connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa; motor vehicles are not permitted on the trails. Trail conditions can change after flooding or maintenance work, so check the latest information before setting out.

The district’s landscape themes also range from forest to coast. 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. Established in 1997, Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects 446 hectares of coast between Aramoana and Blackhead. At its extensive tidal platform, visitors can explore rock pools and may see octopuses, crayfish, sea anemones and migratory wading birds. Above Waipukurau, Pukeora Lookout offers panoramic views of the Tukituki River, Waipawa, farmland and the Ruahine Ranges.

For cultural and natural history themes across the wider area, the Ngā Ara Tipuna Driving Tour visits seven other significant sites around Waipukurau and Takapau. Ongaonga Museum includes historic buildings and homes, as well as documents, photographs, tools and machinery. The Ōtāne Market takes place on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm and offers local produce, plants, crafts and vinyl records. As market details can change, check the current schedule before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Eskdale, Fernhill, Bridge Pa, Raukawa, Urewera National Park, Elsthorpe, Havelock North, Patoka

For the wider travel overview: Hawkes Bay.