WAVERLEY BEACH and Public Camping Ground

Local historian, Laraine Sole wrote in the forward of her recently compiled book   'Waverley Beaches'

"The wild and wonderful Waverley Beach has delighted many generations of folk from Waverley and afar.

To this windswept and striking piece of seashore they came, camped, visited and lingered.  Generations of campers from the late 1800's have enjoyed the charms and challenges of this beach." 

The Hole in the Rock, chosen as the most significant landmark in the Waverley area, is found at Cave beach and has been proven to be the most popular swimming spot.  Laraine writes that there were once three arches and caves which formed a headland but much of these formations has been eroded away by the sea leaving the small island that we see today.

The beaches conspicuous by  their black sands, commonly referred to as ironsand, have been mined in the past north of Waipipi beach.     Flat beach, Long beach and Waipipi make up the rest of the local coastline where you can swim, stroll the foreshore, fish from the beach or off shore, launch your boat, sand yacht or surf, snorkle or scuba dive for the more adventurous.   Beach shoes are a must in summer. Black Sand  -  Hot Feet      

Today, travel approximately 9 kms from the Waverley township on a tar sealed road and this will take you right into Waverley Beach settlement and camping ground facilities controlled by South Taranaki District Council.  This is the same route that had its beginnings with the early settlers in the 1860's who were not daunted by the prospect of carting everything they needed over dirt tracks to their "home away from home" and yet the shoreline and camping grounds remain relatively untouched, even today.

Residents of Waverley Beach settlement are very proud of their community, it's history and the camping ground sited at the top of the headland on Coleman Ave.

The Waverley camping ground, complete with ablution blocks, kitchen and dining hall, 25 powered caravan sites, numerous unpowered sites and a fully equipt childrens playground within the safety of the camping grounds - walkways and a boat ramp access the beaches -  remains open all year round and can be easily reached by caravaners, trampers and cyclists alike if you are looking for a place to stay a while. 

Camp fees are paid on an honesty system to the Waverley LibraryPlus office on leaving the camping grounds.

Contact: Waverley LibraryPlus 0800 111 323 for any further details you need regarding the camping facilities.

At the present time the nearest shopping is at Waverley on Weraroa Road, SH3 and all travellers are made to feel welcome -  

Waverley Four Square Store owned and operated by David and his team is open every day of the week from 7.00am to 7.00pm, and can supply most things you would need to make your stay comfortable including meat, fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, sweet rolls and pastries cooked on the premises, coffee to go, national papers and a good selection of wine and beers. The post office also operates out of the 4 Square. 

The Big Sun Cafe, Black Lady Roadhouse and our Waverley Fish Shop add to the mix offering all day breakfasts, fresh lunch menus, fast foods for those on the run and generous ice creams. 

The Waverley Hotel and Clarendon Hotel sit opposite each other on the main street and leave it to you to choose which brewery you support - Lion or DB.  Both provide dinner menus if you would like time out from cooking over a camp stove. 

Meet some other local residents that have been spotted at Waverley beach - 

The book  "Waverley Beaches"  a collection of memories.......  compiled by Laraine Sole was published in 2010 by the Waverley Beach Book Committee, printed by H&A Design & Print, Wanganui.  It is a book full of stories recounted by locals and so many photographs taken through the years.

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of this book can telephone:   

Ursula Cunningham, Waverley on  06   346 5149